A most excellent treatise containing the way to seek heavens glory, to flie earths vanity, to feare hells horror with Godly prayers and the bell-mans summons.

HEAVENS GLORY , SEEKE IT . EARTS VANITIE , FLYE IT . HELLS HORROR , FERE IT .

LONDON , printed for Michaell Sparke . Ao. 1638.

A Most Excellent TREATISE Containing the way To seek Heavens Glory . To flie Earths Vanity To feare Hells Horror . With Godly Prayers And The Bell-Mans Summons .

The third Edition by S. R.

LONDON , Printed by G M. for Michael Sparke Junior at the blew Bible in Greene-Arbour , 1639.

To the Reader .

THE present carelesse security of all men in generall , is like unto our first Parents neglect of Gods sacred commandement in Paradice , when the seducing Serpent no sooner perswaded evill , but it was instantly put in practise : You shall die ( said God ) was heard , but you shal not die ( said the Divell ) was beleeved . Our eares are daily acquainted with the threatnings of Gods denounced against sinners , and yet that sinne , that broad way path and high-way to hell , is attempted with a delectation and pleasure , so craftie and subtill are the baits and lures of the deceiver , and so void of spirituall wisedome is the soule-murdering sinner . But if due consideration were had of the wages of sinne , and the reward of unrighteousnesse , and to what bitternesse it will turne in the end , it would make us lesse bold to sinne , and more fearefull to offend , if wee would take into our company for a daily consort , the pale memory of death , and whereto he summeth us after this life . Death it selfe is very fearefull , but much more terrible , in regard of the judgement it warneth us unto . Imagine to see a sinner lie on his departing bed , burdened and tyred with the grievous and heavie load of all his former trespasses , goared with the sting and pricke of a festered conscience , feeling the crampe of death wresting at his heart strings , ready to make the ruthfull divorce betweene soule and body , panting for breath , and swimming in a cold and fatall sweat , wearied with strugling against the deadly pangs : Oh how much would he give for an houre of repentance ! at what rate would he value a daies contrition ! Then worlds would bee worthlesse , in respect of a little respite , a short truce would seeme more precious than the treasures of Empires , nothing would bee so much esteemed as a moment of time , which now by moneths and yeeres is lavishly spent .

How inconsolable were his case , his friends being fled , his sences frighted , his thoughts amazed , his memorie decaied , his whole minde agast , and no part able to performe that it should , but onely his guiltie conscience pestered with sinne , continually upbraiding him with bitter accusations ? what would hee thinke then ( stripped out of this mortall weed , and turned both out of the service and house-roome of this world ) hee must passe before a most severe Iudge , carrying in his owne conscience his enditement written , and a perfect register of all his misdeeds : when he should see the Iudge prepared to passe the sentence against him , and the same to bee his Vmpire , whom by so many offences he hath made his enemie : When not onely the divels , but even the Angels , should plead against him , and himselfe maugre his will , bee his owne sharpest appeacher : What were to be done in these dreadfull exigents ?

When hee saw that gastly dungeon and huge gulfe of hell , breaking out with fearefull flames , the weeping , hou●ing , and gnashing of teeth , the rage of all those hellish monsters , the horrour of the place , the rigour of the paine , the terrour of the company , and the eternitie of all those punishments . Would you thinke them wise that would daily in so weighty matters , and idlely play away the time allotted them to prevent these intollerable calamities ? Would you then account it secure , to nurse in your bosome so many ougly Serpents as sinnes are , or to foster in your soule so many malicious accusers , as mortall faults are ?

Would you not then thinke one life too little to repent for so many iniquities , everie one whereof were enough to cast you into those everlasting and unspeakeable torments ? Why then doe wee not ( at the least ) devote that small remnant of these our latter dayes , to the making an attonement with God , that our consciences may be free from this eternall danger ? Who would relie the everlasting affaires of the life to come upon the gliding slipperinesse , and running streame of our uncertaine life ?

It is a preposterous pollicie ( in any wise conceit ) to fight against God till our weapons bee blunted , our forces consumed , our limmes impotent , and our breath spent ; and then when wee fall for faintnesse , and have fought our selves almost dead , to presume on his mercy . It were a strange peece of Art , and a very exorbitant course , while the Ship is sound , the Pylot well , the Marriners strong , the gale favourable , and the Sea calme , to lie idle at rode : and when the Ship leakes , the Pylot were sicke , the Marriners faint , the stormes boysterous , and the Sea turmoyled with surges , to launch forth for a voyage into a farre Countrey : yet such is the skill of our evening repenters , who though in the soundnesse of health , and in the perfect use of reason , they cannot resolve to weigh the ankers that withhold them from God , neverthelesse , feed themselves with a strong perswasion , that when their sences are astonied , their wits distracted , their understanding dusked , and both body and minde racked and tormented with the throbs and gripes of a mortall sicknesse , then will they thinke of the weightiest matters , ad become Saints , when they are scarse able to behave themselves like reasonable creatures ? being then presumed to bee lesse then men : for how can he that is assaulted with an unsetled conscience , distrained with the wringing fits of his dying flesh , maimed in all his abilities , and circled in with so many encombrances , be thought of due discretion to dispose of his chiefest jewell , which is his soule ? No , no , they that will loyter in seed time , and begin then to sow when others begin to reape : they that will riot out their health , and cast their accounts when they can scarsely speake : they that will slumber out the day , and enter their journey when the light doth faile them , let them blame their owne folly , if they die in debt , and eternall beggerie , and fall headlong into the lapse of endlesse perdition .

Great cause have wee then to have an hourely watchfull care over our soule , being so dangerous assaulted and environed : most instantly entreating the divine Majesty to be our assured defence , and let us passe the day in mourning , the night in watching and weeping , and our whole time in plainefull lamenting , falling downe upon the ground humbled in sackcloth and ashes , having lost the garment of Christ , that hee may receive what the persecuting enemy would have spoyled every short sigh will not bee sufficient satisfaction , nor every knocke a warrant to getin . Many shall cry Lord , Lord , and shall not be accepted : the foolish Virgins did knocke , but were not admitted : Judas had some sorrow , and yet died desperate . Foreslow not ( saith the Holy Ghost ) to be converted unto God , and make not a daily lingering of thy repaire unto him : for thou shalt finde the suddennesse of his wrath and revenge not slacke to destroy sinners . For which cause , let no man sojourne long in sinfull security , or post over his repentance untill feare enforce him to it , but let us frame our premises as we would finde our conclusion , endeavouring to live as we are desirous to die : let us not offer the maine crop to the Divell , and set God to gleane the reproofe of his harvest : let us not gorge the Divell with our fairest fruits , and turne God to the filthy scraps of his leavings : but let us truly dedicate both soule and body to his service , whose right they are , and whose service they owe ; that so in the evening of our life we may retire to a Christian rest , closing up the day of our life with a cleare sunne-set , that leaving all darknesse behind us , we may carry in our consciences the light of grace : and so escaping the horrour of an eternall night , passe from a mortall day , to an everlasting morrow .

Thine in Christ Jesus , Samuell Rowland .

STrike saile , poore soule , in sins tempestuous tide , That runst to ruine and eternall wracke : Thy course from heaven is exceeding wide , Hels gulfe thou ent'rest , if grace guide not backe : Satan is Pilot in this navigation , The Ocean , Vanity , The Rocke , damnation . Warre with the Dragon , and his whole alliance , Renounce his league , intends thy utter losse ; Take in sinnes flag of truce , set out defiance , Display Christs ensigne with the bloudy crosse : Against a Faith-proofe armed Christian Knight , The hellish coward dares not mannage fight . Resist him then , if thou wilt victor be , For so he flies , and is disanimate ; His fiery darts can have no force at thee , The shield of faith doth all their points rebate : He conquers none to his infernall den , But yeelding slaves , that wage not fight like men . Those in the dungeon of eternall darke , He hath enthralled everlasting date , Branded with Reprobations cole-blacke marke , Within the never-opening ramd up gate : Where Dives rates one drop of water more Than any crowne that ever Monarch wore . Where furies haunt the hearttorne wretch , despaire , Where clamours cease not , teeth are ever gnashing , Where wrath and vengeance sit in horrors chaire , Where quenchlesse flames of sulphur fire be flashing , Where damned soules blaspheme God in despight , Where utter darknesse stands remov'd from light . Where plagues inviron , torments compasse round , Where anguish rores in never stinted sorrow , Where woe , woe , woe , is every voices sound , Where night eternall never yeelds tomorrow : Where damned tortures dreadfull shall persever , So long as God is God , So long is ever .

Heavens Glory . WHo loves this life , from love his love doth erre , And chusing drosse , rich treasure doth denie , Leaving the pearle , Christs counsels to preferre , With selling all we have , the same to buy : O happy soule . that doth disburse a summe , To gaine a kingdome in the life to come . Such trafficke may be tearmed heavenly thrift , Such venter hath no hazard to disswade Immortall purchase , with a mortall gift , The greatest gaine that ever Merchant made : To get a crowne where Saints and Angels sing , For laying out a base and earthly thing . To taste the joyes no humane knowledge knowes , To heare the tunes of the coelestiall quires , T' attaine heav'ns sweet and mildest calme repose , To see Gods face the summe of good desires . Which by his glorious Saints is howerly eyde , Let sight with seeing , never satisfide . Sod as he is , sight beyond estimate , Which Angel tongues are unt aught to discover , Whose splendor doth The heavens illustrate , Vnto which sight each sight becomes a lover : Whom all the glorious court of heaven laud , With praises of eternities applaud . There where no teares are to interpret griefes , For any sighes , heart dolours to expound , There where no treasure is surpris'd by theeves , Nor any voice that speakes with sorrowes sound . No use of passions , no distempered thought , No spot of sinne , no deed of errour wrought . The native home of pilgrime soules abode , Rest's habitation , joyes true residence , Ierusalem's new Citie built by God , Form'd by the hands of his owne excellence ; With gold pav'd streets , the wals of precious stone , Where all sound praise to him sits on the throne .

HEAVENS Glory , EARTHS Vanitie , and HELLS Torments . Of the Glory of the blessed Saints in Heaven .

TO the end there might want nothing to stirre up our mindes to ver●e , after the paines which Almighty God threatneth to the wicked , he doth also set before us the reward of the good : which is , that glory and everlasting life which the blessed Saints doe enjoy in Heaven , whereby he doth very mightily allure us to the love of the same . But what manner of thing this reward ; and what this life is , there is no tongue , neither of Angels nor of men , that is sufficient to expresse it . Howbeit , that wee may have some kinde of savour and knowledge thereof , I intend here to rehearse even word for word what S. Augustine saith in one of his meditations , speaking o● the life everlasting ( ensuing thi● transitorie time ) and of the joyes of the blessed Saints in Heaven . O life ( saith he ) prepared by Almighty God for his friends , a blessed life , a secure life , a quiet life , a beautifull life , a cleane life , a chast life , a holy life ; a life that knoweth no death , a life without sadnesse , without labour , without griefe , without trouble , without corruption , without feare , without variety , without alteration ; a life replenished with all beautie and dignity ; where there is neither enemy that can offend , nor delight that can annoy , where love is perfect , and no feare at all , where the day is everlasting , and the spirit of all is one ; where Almighty God is seene face to face , who is the onely meate whereupon they feed without loathsomenesse : it delighteth mee to consider thy brightnesse , and thy treasures doe rejoyce my longing heart . The more I consider thee , the more I am striken in love with thee . The great desire I have of thee , doth wonderfully delight me , and no lesse pleasure is it to me , to keepe thee in my remembrance . O life most happy , O kingdome truly blessed , wherein there is no death nor end , neither yet succession of time , where the day continuing evermore without night , knoweth not any mutation ; where the victorious Conqueror being joyned with those everlasting quires of Angels , and having his head crowned with a garland of glory , singeth unto Almighty God one of the songs of Sion . Oh happy , yea , and most happy should my soule be , if when the race of this my pilgrimage is ended , I might bee worthy to see thy glory , thy blessednesse , thy beauty , the wals and gates of thy Citie , thy streets , thy lodgings , thy noble Citizens , and thine omnipotent King in his most glorious Majestie . The stones of thy wals are precious , thy gates are adorned with bright pearles , thy streets are of very fine excellent gold , in which there never faile perpetuall praises ; thy houses are paved with rich stones , wrought throughout with Saphirs , and covered about with massie gold , where no uncleane thing may enter , neither doth any abide there that is defiled . Faire and beautifull in thy delights art thou O Ierusalem our mother , none of those things are suffered in thee , that are suffered here . There is great diversitie betweene thy things and the things that wee doe continually see in this life . In thee is never seene neither darkenesse nor night , neither yet any change of time . The light that shineth in thee , commeth neither of lampes , nor of Sunne or Moone , nor yet of bright glittering Starres , but God that proceedeth of God , and the light that commeth of light , is he that giveth clearenes unto thee . Even the very King of Kings himselfe keepeth continuall residence in the middest of thee , compassed about with his officers and servants . There doe the Angels in their orders and Quires sing a most sweere and melodious harmony . There is celebrated a perpetuall solemnity and feast with every one of them that commeth thither , after his departure out of this pilgrimage . There be the orders of Prophets ; there is the famous company of the Apostles ; there is the invincible army of Martyrs ; there is the most reverentassembly of confessors ; there are the true and perfect religious persons ; there are the holy Virgins , which have overcome both the pleasures of the world , and the frailty of their owne nature ; there are the young men and young women , more ancient in vertue than in yeares ; there are the sheepe and little lambes that have escaped from the Wolves , and from the deceitfull snares of this life , and therefore doe now keepe a perpetuall feast , each one in his place , all alike in joy , though different in degree . There Charity raigneth in her full perfection , for unto them God is all in all , whom they behold without end , in whose love they bee all continually inflamed , whom they doe alwaies love , and in loving doe praise , and in praising , doe love , and all their exercises consist in praises , without wearinesse , and without travell . O happie were I , yea , and very happy indeed , if at what time I shall bee loosed out of the prison of this wretched body , I might be thought worthy to heare those songs of that heavenly melody , sung in the praise of the everlasting King , by all the Citizens of that so noble Citie . Happie were I , and very happie , if I might obtaine a roome among the Chaplaines of that Chappell , and wait for my turne also to sing my Hallelujah . If I might bee neare to my King , my God , my Lord , and see him in his glory , even as he hath promised me , when he said : O Father , this is my last determinate will , that all those that thou hast given unto me , may be with me , and see the glory which I had with thee before the world was created . Hetherto are the words of S. Augustine . Now tell me ( Christian brother ) what a day of glorious shine shall that be unto thee ( if thou lead thy life in Gods feare ) when after the course of this pilgrimage , thou shalt passe from death to immortality ; and in that passage , when others shall beginne to feare , thou shalt beginne to rejoyce , and lift up thy head , because the day of thy deliverance is at hand . Come forth a little ( saith S. Ierome unto the Virgine Eustochia ) out of the prison of this body , and when thou art before the gate of this Tabernacle , set before thy eyes the reward that thou hopest to have for thy present labours . Tell me , what a day shall that bee , when our Lord himselfe with all his Saints , shall come and meete thee in the way , saying unto thee : Arise and make hast O my beloved , my delight , and my Turtle dove , for now the Winter is past , and the tempestuous waters are ceased , the flowers doe beginne to appeare in our land . Cant. 2. How great joy shall thy soule then receive , when it shall be at that time presented before the Throne of the most blessed Trinity , by the hands of the holy Angels , and when shall be declared thy good workes , and what crosses , tribulations , and injuries thou hast suffered for Gods sake . Acts 9. S. Luke writeth , That when holy Tabitha , the great almes giver was dead , all the Widdowes and poore folke came about the Apostle S. Peter , shewing unto him the garments which shee had given them : wherewith the Apostle being moved , made his prayer unto Almighty God for that so mercifull a woman , and by his prayers he raised her againe to life . Now what a gladnesse will it be to thy soule , when in the middest of those blessed spirits thou shalt bee placed , with remembrance of thy almes-deeds , thy prayers and fastings , the innocency of thy life , thy suffering of wrongs and injuries , thy patience in afflictions , thy temperance in diet , with all other vertues and good workes that thou hast done in all thy life . O how great joy shalt thou receive at that time for all the good deeds that thou hast wrought ; how clearely then shalt thou understand the value and the excellencie of vertue . There the obedient man shall talke of victories ; there vertue shall receive her reward , and the good honoured according to their merit . Moreover , what a pleasure will it bee unto thee , when thou shalt see thy selfe to bee in that sure haven , and shalt looke back upon the course of thy navigation which thou hast sailed here in this life : when thou shalt remember the tempests wherein thou hast beene tossed , the straits through which thou hast passed , and the dangers of theeves and pyrats , from whom thou hast escaped . There is the place where they shall sing the song of the Prophet , which saith , Had it not beene that our Lord had beene mine helper , it could not be but my soule had gone into hell . Especially , when from thence thou shalt behold so many sins as are committed every houre in the world , so many soules as doe descend every day into hell , and how it hath pleased Almighty God , that among such a multitude of damned persons , thou shouldst be of the number of his elect , and one of those to whom he would grant such exceeding great felicity and glory . Besides all this , what a goodly sight will it bee to see those seats filled up , and the Citie builded , and the wals of that noble Ierusalem repaired againe ? With what chearefull embracings shall the whole court of Heaven entertaine them , beholding them when they come loaden with the spoiles of their vanquished enemies ? There shall those valiant men and women enter with triumph , which have together with the world conquered the weakenesse of their owne fraile nature . There shall they enter which have suffered martyrdome for Christs sake , with double triumph over the flesh and the world , adorned with all coelestiall glory . There shall also daily enter many young men and children , which have vanquished the tendernesse of their young yeares with discretion and vertue . Oh , how sweet and savorie shall the fruit of vertue then be , although for a time before her roots seemed very bitter : sweete is the cold evening after the hot sunnie day ; sweete is the fountaine to the weary thirstie travailer ; sweet is rest and sleepe to the tired servant : but much more sweet is it to the Saints in Heaven to enjoy peace after warre , security after perill , eternall rest after their paines and travels : for then are the warres at an end , then need they no more to goe all armed , both on the right side and on the left . The children of Israel went forth armed towards the land of Promise , but after that the land was conquered , they laid downe their speares , and cast away their armour , and forgetting all feare and turmoile of warre , each one under the shaddow of his pavillion & harbour enjoyed the fruit of their sweete peace . Now may the watching Prophet come downe from his standing , that did watch and fix his feete upon the place of the Sentinell : There is no more feare of invasion by the terrible armies of the bloody enemies : there is no place for the subtill crafts of the lurking viper : there cannot arive the deadly sight of the venomous Basseliske , nor yet shall the hissing of the ancient Serpent be heard there , but onely the soft breathing ayre of the Holy Ghost ; wherein is beholden the glory of Almighty God . This is the region of all peace , the place of security , situated above all the Elements , whether the cloudes and stormie winds of the darke ayre cannot come . O what glorious things have beene spoken of thee , O Citie of God . Blessed are they ( saith holy Tobias ) that love thee , and enjoy thy peace . O my soule praise our Lord , for he hath delivered Ierusalem his Citie from all her troubles . Happy shall I be , if the remnant of my posterity might come to see the clearenesse of Ierusalem : her gates shall be wrought with Saphirs and Emeraulds , and all the circuit of her wals shall bee built with precious stones , her streets shall bee paved with white and polished marble , and in all parts of her territories shall bee sung Hallelujah . O joyfull countrey ! O sweete glory ! O blessed company ! who shall be those so fortunate and happy that are elected for thee ? It seemeth a presumption to desire thee , and yet I will not live without the desire of thee . O ye sonnes of Adam , a race of men , miserably blinded and deceived . O ye scattered sheepe , wandring out of your right way , if this be your sheep-coat , whether goe you backeward ? What meane you ? Why suffer you such an excellent benefit to be wilfully lost for not taking so little paines ? What wise man would not desire , that all labour & paine of the world were imposed unto him ? that all sorrowes , afflictions , and diseases were even powred upon him as thicke as haile ; that persecutions , tribulations , and griefes , with one to molest him , another to disquiet him , yea , that all creatures in the world did conspire against him , being scorned and made a laughing stocke of all men ; and that his whole life were converted into weepings and lamentations ; so that in the next life hee might finde repose in the heavenly harbor of eternall consolation , and bee thought meet to have a place among that blessed people , which are adorned and beautified with such inestimable glory . And thou , O foolish lover of this miserable world , go thy way , seeke as long as thou wilt for honours and promotions , build sumptuous houses and pallaces , purchase lands and possessions , inlarge thy territories and dominions , yea , command if thou wilt the whole world , yet shalt thou never be so great as the least of all the servants of Almighty God , who shall receive that treasure which this world cannot give , and shall enjoy that felicity , which shall endure for evermore , when thou with thy pompe and riches , shall beare the rich glutton company , whose buriall is in the deepe vault of hell : but the devout spirituall man shall bee carried by the holy Angels with poore Lazarus into Abrahams bosome , a place of perpetuall rest , joy , solace , and eternall happinesse .

Of the benefits which our Lord promiseth to give in this present life ; to such as live a just and godly life .

PEradventure thou wilt now say , that all these things before rehearsed , bee rewards and punishments onely for the life to come : and that thou desirest to see something in this present life , because our mindes are wont to be moved very much with the sight of things present . To satisfie thee herein , I will also explaine unto thee what may answer thy desire . For although our Lord doe reserve the best wine , and the delicate dishes of most delight , untill the end of the banket , yet he suffereth not his friends to bee utterly destitute of meate and drinke in this tedious voyage : for hee knoweth very well , that they could not otherwise hold out in their journey . And therefore when he said unto Abraham , Feare not Abraham , for I am thy defender , and thy reward shall be exceeding great : By these words he promised two things , the one for the time present , that was , to be his safeguard and defence in all such things as may happen in this life , and the other for the time to come , and that is , the reward of glory which is reserved for the next life . But how great the first promise is , and how many kinds of benefits and favours are therein included , no man is able to understand , but onely he , that hath with great diligence read the holy Scriptures , wherein no one thing is more often repeated and set forth , than the greatnesse of the favours , benefits , and priviledges , which Almighty God promiseth unto his friends in this life . Hearken what Salomon saith in the third Chapter of his Proverbs , as touching this matter . Blessed is that man that findeth wisedome , for it is better to have it , than all the treasures of Silver and Gold , be they never so excellent and precious : and it is more worth than all the riches of the world , and whatsoever mans heart is able to desire , is not comparable unto it . The length of daies are at her right hand , and riches and glorie at her left . Her waies be pleasant , and all her passages bee quiet ; shee is a tree of life to all those that have obtained her ; and hee that shall have her in continuall possession , shall bee blessed . Keepe therefore ( O my sonne ) the lawes of Almighty God , and his counsell , for they shall be as life to thy soule , and sweetnesse to thy taste ▪ Then shalt theu walke safely in thy waies , and thy feet shall no finde any stumbling blockes . If thou sleep , thou shalt have no cause to feare : and if thou take thy rest , thy sleepe shall bee quiet . This is the sweetnesse and quietnesse of the way of the godly , but the waies of the wicked are farre different , as the holy Scripture doth declare unto us . The paths and waies of the wicked ( saith Ecclesiasticus ) are full of brambles , and at the end of their journey are prepared for them hell , darknesse , and paines . Doest thou thinke it then a good exchange , to forsake the waies of Almighty God , for the waies of the world , sith there is so great difference betweene the one and the other , not onely in the end of the way , but also in all the steps of the same ? What madnesse can be greater , than to choose one torment to gaine another by ; rather than with one rest to gaine another rest ? And that thou maist more clearely perceive the excellency of this rest , and what a number of benefits are presently incident thereunto , I beseech thee hearken attentively even what Almighty God himselfe hath promised by his Prophet Esay , to the observers of his law , in a manner with these words , as divers interpreters doe expound them . When thou shalt doe ( saith hee ) such and such things , which I have commanded thee to doe , there shall forthwith appeare unto thee the dawning of the cleare day ( that is , the sonne of justice ) which shall drive away all the darkenesse of thy errours and miseries , and then shalt thou begin to enjoy true and perfect salvation . Now these are the benefits which Almighty God hath promised to his servants . And albeit some of them bee for the time to come , yet are some of them to be presently received in this life : as , that new light and shining from heaven ; that safety and abundance of all good things ; that assured confidence and trust in the Almighty God ; that divine assistance in all our Prayers and Petitions made unto him ; that peace and tranquility of conscience ; that protection and providence of Almighty God . All these are the gracious gifts and favours which Almighty God hath promised to his servants in this life . They all are the works of his mercy , effects of his grace , testimonies of his love , and blessings , which he of his fatherly providence extendeth .

To be short , all these benefits doe the godly injoy both in this present life , and in the life to come : and of all these are the ungodly deprived , both in the one life , and in the other . Whereby thou maist easily perceive , what difference there is betweene the one sort and the other , seeing the one is so rich in graces , and the other so poore and needy : For if thou ponder well Gods promised blessings , and consider the state and condition of the good and the wicked , thou shalt find , that the one sort is highly in the favour of Almighty God , and the other deepely in his displeasure : the one be his friends , and the other his enemies : the one be in light , and the other in darkenesse : the one doe enjoy the company of Angels , and the other the filthy pleasures and delights of Swine : the one are truely free , and Lords over themselves , and the other are become bond-slaves unto Satan , and unto their owne lusts and appetites . The one are joyfull with the witnesse of a good conscience , and the other ( except they bee utterly blinded ) are continually bitten with the worme of conscience , evermore gnawing on them : the one in tribulation , stand stedfastly in their proper place ; and the other , like light chaffe , are carried up and downe with every blast of winde : the one stand secure and firme with the anker of hope , and the other are unstable , and evermore yeelding unto the assaults of fortune : the prayers of the one are acceptable and liking unto God , and the prayers of the other are abhorred and accursed : the death of the one is quiet , peaceable and precious in the sight of God , and the death of the other , is unquiet , painefull , and troubled with a thousand frights and terrours : To conclude , the one live like children under the protection and defence of Almighty God , and sleepe sweetly under the shaddow of his pastorall providence ; and the other being excluded from this kinde of providence , wander abroad as straied sheepe , without their shepheard and Master , lying wide open to all the perills , dangers , and assaults of the world . Seeing then , that a vertuous life is accompanied with all these benefits , what is the cause that should withdraw thee , and perswade thee not to embrace such a precious treasure ? what art thou able to alledge for excuse of thy great negligence ? To say that this is not true , it cannot be admitted , for so much as Gods word doth avouch the certaintie hereof . To say that these are but small benefits , thou canst not , for so much as they doe exceede all that mans heart can desire . To say that thou art an enemy unto thy selfe , and that thou doest not desire these benefits , cannot be , considering that a man is even naturally a friend to himselfe , & the will of man hath ever an eye to his owne benefit , which is the very object or mark that his desire shooteth at . To say that thou hast no understanding , nor taste of these benefits , it will not serve to discharge thine offence , forsomuch as thou hast the faith and beleefe thereof , though thou hast not the taste , for the taste is lost through sinne , but not the faith : and the faith is a witnesse more certaine , more secure , & better to be trusted , than all other experiences and witnesses in the world . Why doest thou not then discredit all other witnesses with this one assured testimony ? Why doest thou not rather give credit unto faith , than to thine owne opinion and judgement ? O that thou wouldest make a resolute determination , to submit thy selfe into the hands of Almighty God , and to put thy whole trust assuredly in him How soone shouldest thou then see all these Prophesies fulfilled in thee : then shouldest thou see the excellency of these divine treasures : then shouldest thou see how starke blinde the lovers of this world are , that seeke not after this high treasure : then shouldest thou see upon what good ground our Saviour inviteth us to this kind of life , saying ; Come unto me all yee that travell , and are loaden , and I will refresh you ; take my yoake upon you , and you shall finde rest for your soules : for my yoake is sweet , and my burden is light . Almighty God is no deceiver , nor false promiser , neither yet is hee a great boaster of such things as he promiseth . Why dost thou then shrinke backe ? why dost thou refuse peace and true quietnesse ? why dost thou refuse the gentle offers and sweet callings of thy Pastor ? how darest thou despise and banish away vertue from thee , which hath such prerogatives and priviledges as these be : and withall , confirmed and signed even with the hand of Almighty God ? The Queene of Sheba heard far lesse things than these of Salomon , and yet she travelled from the uttermost parts of the world , to try the truth of those things that she had heard . And why doest not thou then ( hearing such notable , yea , and so certaine newes of vertue ) adventure to take a little paines to try the truth and sequell thereof ? O deare Christian brother , put thy trust in Almighty God and in his Word , and commit thy selfe most boldly without all feare into his armes , and unloose from thy hands those trifling knots that have hitherto deceived thee , and thou shalt finde , that the merits of vertue doe farre excell her fame : and that all which is spoken in praise of her , is nothing in comparison of that which she is indeed .

That a man ought not to deferre his Repentance and Conversion unto God , from day to day ; considering he hath so many debts to discharge , by reason of the offences committed in his sinfull life already past .

NOw then , if on the one side there be so many and so great respects , that doe binde us to change our sinfull life ; and on the other side , we have not any sufficient excuse why wee should not make this exchange . How long wilt thou tarry , untill thou fully resolve to doe it ? Turne thine eyes a little , and look back upon thy life past , and consider , that at this present ( of what age soever thou be ) it is high time , or rather , the time well nigh past to begin to discharge some part of thy old debts . Consider , that thou which art a Christian regenerated in the water of holy Baptisme , which doest acknowledge Almighty God for thy Father , and the Catholike Church for thy Mother , whom she hath nourished with the milke of the Gospell , to wit , with the doctrine of the Apostles and Evangelists : consider ( I say ) that all this notwithstanding , thou hast lived even as loosely and dissolutely , as if thou hadst beene a meere Infidell , that had never any knowledge of Almighty God . And if thou doe denie this , then tell me what kinde of sin is there which thou hast not committed ? What tree is there forbidden that thou hast not beholden with thine eyes ? What greene meddow is there , in which thou hast not ( at the least in desire ) feasted thy letcherous lust ? what thing hath beene set before thine eyes , that thou hast not wantonly desired ? What appetite hast thou left unexecuted , notwithstanding that thou didst beleeve in Almighty God , and that thou wert a Christian ? What wouldst thou have done more , if thou hadst not had any faith at all ? If thou hadst not looked for any other life ? If thou hadst not feared the dreadfull day of judgement ? What hath all thy former life beene , but a web of sinnes , a sinke of vices , a way full of brambles and thornes , and a froward disobedience of God ? with whom hast thou hitherto lived , but onely with thine appetite , with thy flesh , with thy pride , and with the goods and riches of this transitory world ? These have beene thy gods , these have beene thine idols whom thou hast served , and whose lawes thou hast diligently obeyed . Make thine account with the Almighty God , with his lawes , and with his obedience , and peradventure thou shalt finde , that thou hast esteemed him no more , than if he had beene a god of wood , or stone . For it is certaine , that there bee many Christians , which beleeving that there is a God , are induced to sinne with such facility , as though they beleeved , that there were no God at all : and doe offend no whit the lesse , though they beleeve that there is a God , then they would doe , if they beleeved there were none at all . What greater injurie , what greater despight can bee done , than so to contemne his divine majestie ? Finally , thou beleeving all such things as Christs Church doth beleeve , hast notwithstanding so led thy life , as if thou wert perswaded , that the beleefe of Christians were the greatest fables or lies in the world . And if the multitude of thy sinnes past , and the faculty thou hast used in committing of them , doe not make thee afraid , why dost thou not feare at the least the Majesty and omnipotencie of him , against whom thou hast sinned ? Lift up thine eyes , and consider the infinite greatnesse and omnipotencie of the Lord , whom the powers of Heaven do adore , before whose Majesty the whole compasse of the wide world lyeth prostrate ; in whose presence , all things created , are no more than chaffe carried away with the winde . Consider also with thy selfe how unseemely it is , that such a vile worme as thou art , should have audacity so many times to offend and provoke the wrath of so great a Majesty . Consider the wonderfull and most terrible severity of his justice , and what horrible punishments hee hath used from time to time in the world against sinne ; and that not onely upon particular persons , but also upon Cities , Nations , Kingdomes and Provinces , yea , upon the universall World : And not onely in earth , but also in Heaven ; and not onely upon strangers sinners , but even upon his owne most innocent sonne , our sweet Saviour Jesus Christ , when he tooke upon him to satisfie for the debt that we owed . And if this severity was used upon greene and innocent wood , and that for the sinnes of others ; what then will he doe upon dry and withered wood , and against those that are loden with their owne sinnes ? Now , what thing can bee thought more unreasonable , then that such a fraile wretch as thou art , should bee so saucie and malapert , as to mocke with so mightie a Lord , whose hand is so heavie , that in case hee should strike but one stroke upon thee , hee would at one blow drive thee downe headlong into the deepe bottomelesse pit of hell , without remedy . Consider likewise the great patience of this our mercifull Lord , who hath expected thy repentance so long , even from the time that thou didst first offend him : and think , that if after so long patience and tarrying for thee , thou shalt still continue thy leaud and sinfull life , abusing thus his mercy , and provoking him to further indignation and wrath , hee will then bend his bowe , and shake his sword , and raine downe upon thee even sharpe arrowes of everlasting wrath and death . Consider also the profoundnesse of his deepe judgments , wherof we read , and see daily so great wonders . We see how Salomon himselfe , after his so great wisdome , and after those three thousand parables and most profound mysteries uttered by him , was forsaken by Almighty God , and suffered to fall down and adore Idols . Wee see how one of those seven first Deacons of the Primitive Church , which were full of the Holy Ghost , became not onely an hereticke , but also an arch-hereticke and a father of heresies . We see daily many starres fall downe from Heaven unto earth , with miserable fals , and to wallow themselves in the durt , and to eate the meate of swine , which sate before at Gods owne table , and were fed with the very bread of Angels . If then the just and righteous for some secret pride or negligence , or else for some ingratitude of theirs ) be thus justly forsaken of Almighty God , after they have bestowed so many yeares in his service . What maist thou looke for , that hast done in a manner nothing else in all thy life time , but onely heaped sinnes upon sinnes , and hast thereby offended Almighty God most grievously ?

Now , if thou hast lived after this sort , were it not reason that thou shouldst now at the length give over , and cease heaping sinne upon sinne , and debt upon debt , and begin to pacifie the wrath of Almighty God , and to disburden thy sinnefull soule ? Were it not meet , that that time which thou hast hitherto given to the world , to thy flesh , and to the Divell , should suffice ? and that thou shouldest bestow some little time of that which remaineth , to serve him , who hath given thee all that thou hast ? Were it not a point of wisedome , after so long time , and so many great injuries , to feare the most terrible justice of Almighty God , who the more patiently he suffereth sinners , the more hee doth afterwards punish them with severity and justice ? Were it not meet for thee to feare thy long continuance so many yeares in sinne , and in the displeasure of Almighty God , procuring thereby against thee such a mighty adversary as he is , and provoking him of a mercifull loving Father to become thy severe terrible judge and enemy ? Were it not meet to feare , least that the force of evill custome may in continuance of time be turned into nature ; and that thy long vicious usuall manner of committing sinne , may make of a vice , a necessity , or little lesse ? Why art thou not afraid , least by little and little thou maiest cast thy selfe downe head-long into the deep pit of a reprobate sence , whereinto after that a man is once falne , hee never maketh account of any sinne , be it never so great .

The Patriarke Iacob said unto Laban his father in law : These fourteene yeares have I served thee , and looking to thine affaires , now it is time that I should looke to mine owne , and begin to attend unto the affaires of mine owne houshold . Wherefore if thou hast likewise bestowed so many yeares in the service of this world , and of this fraile transitory life , were it not good reason , that thou shouldest now begin to make some provision for the salvation of thy soule , and for the everlasting life to come ? There is nothing more short , nor more transitory then the life of man ; and therefore providing so carefully as thou doest for all such things as be necessarie for this life , which is so short , why doest thou not provide likewise somewhat for the life that is to come ? which life shall endure for ever and ever .

Earths Vanity .

A Sigh . HEnce lazie sleepe , thou sonne of sullen night , That with soft-breathing Spels keeps sorrowes under Thy charmes ; cheares up the spirits with delight , And laps the Sences in Lethaean slumber ; Packe and be gone : for my sad soule knowes well , Care best accordeth with a gloomic Cell . And what more darke then my sin-clouded Soule ? Where yet the Sunne of Sapience never shone ; But still in Errors ougly cave did roule , Where nought keepes concord but discordant mone : Leave me I say , and give me leave to tell , That to my Soule , my selfe ha's not done well . Good man ! ( if good there lives one ) Thou that art So farre thrust from the worlds imperious eyes ; Helpe me to a●t this penitentiall part : I meane , No coyner of new Niceties , Nor wodden Worshipper : Give me him than That 's a God loving , and good living man , To be my partner in this Tragedie ; Whose scenes run bleeding through the wounded Acts , Heart-strucke by Sinne and Satans fallacie , And poyson'd by my selfe-committed facts : Send me thy prayers , if not thy presence found , To stop the Ore-face of this streaming wound . Steere me ( sweet Saviour ) while I safe have past The stormie Euroclydons of Despaire , Till happily I have arriv'd at last , To touch at Thee , my Soules sole-saving stayre : Tow up my sin-frought Soule , sunke downe below , And long lien weltring midst the waves of wo. New rig me up , lest wallowing Iorewhelme ; Thy Mercy be my Main-mast ; And for Sayles My Sighs ; thy Truth , my tackling ; Faith , my Helme : My ballast , Love ; Hope , Anchor that ne're failes : Then in Heav'ns haven calme Peace me arrive , Where once enharbor'd , I shall richly thrive . Woes me ! how long ha's Pride besotted me ? Proposing to dim Reason my good parts , My nimble Wit , my quicke proclivitie To Apprehension ; and in high deserts How many stood beneath me : I ( vaine foole ) Thus fob'd by Satans sleights , ore-slipt my Soule : Who in darke Error downe embodied lies , Blacke as the Star-lesse Night ; and hideously Impuritie with rustie wings crosse flies Betwixt the Sunne of Righteousnesse and me ; Whil'st ( Bat-like ) beats my Soule her leather sayles Gainst the soft Ayre ; and rising , fals and failes . Must I for each unsyllabled close Thought Render account ? O wit-fi'lde Conference ! Cal'd in is thy protection then , deare bought : How was my brow o'rehatcht with Impudence ? To let whole worlds of words my cheekes up-swell , The least of whom would ding me downe to Hell . O wretched Impes then of mans impious race ! Who 'l breath out Blasphemies to make a Iest ; And call wit flashing the sole punctuall grace Of genuine knowledge : But amongst the rest , Iudge in what case are those wit-hucsters in , That hourely practise this soule sinking sinne ? O may my tongue be ever rivetted Fast to my roofe , but when it speakes Gods praise : May not one vocall sound by breath be fed , But when it carols out celestiall Layes ; Let not one tone through my tongues hatches flie , But what beares with 't heav'ns glories harmonie . Helpe ( Lord of power ) my feeble joynted praiers To clamber th' azure Mountaines throwne above me ; And keepe a seat for me there mongst those haires , Apportion'd out to such as truely love thee : Admit them in thine eares a resting roome , Vntill to thee and them , my soule shall come . Meane while , moyst ey'd Repentance here below Shall Inmate wise be Tenant to my minde : For Prayers , without true Penitence , doe show , " Like meats unseason'd , or like Bils unsign'd ; " Or corne on tops of Cottages that growes , " Which ( uselesse ) no man either reapes or sowes . O how my Soule 's surpriz'd with shallow feares ? When , thinking to leane on Lifes broken staffe ; And counting to mine age large summes of yeares , I heare the sweet and sacred Psalmograph , Compare Life to a Flowre , a Puffe , a Span ; Who 's Monarch now , next minute 's not a Man . Must I needs dye ? why surfet I on Pleasure ? Must I needs dye ? why swim I in Delight ? Must I needs dye ? why squint I after Treasure ? Must I needs dye ? why live I not aright ? Must I needs dye ? why live I then in sin ? Thrice better for me I had never bin . Feuntaine of breathing Dust ? such grace me give , That I in life , prepare in dust to lye ; Let me be dying still whiles I doe live ; That I may blisfull live , when I shall dye : For in Christs Schoole this Paradox learne I ; Who dies before he dies , shall never die . If I must die , then after must begin The life of Ioy or Torment without end ; The life of Torment purchas'd is by sinne ; The life of Ioy , by life that learnest ' amend : Why should I then prophane , sweare , curse , lust , lie , If I but thinke on this ; That I must die ? Why should I quaffe to more then Nature can ? Sith more drinke I gaine more losse is mine : For may I not be term'd a b●stiall man , To drowne my Reason in a cup of wine ? Yea tenfold worse : Thus monster made at least : God made me Man , I make my selfe a Beast . How swelt I with hard travell through the Dale That leads to Prophanations irkesome cell ? But freeze , by softly pacing up the skale , Where burning zeale , and her bright sisters dwell : Thus sweat I in the shadow , shake i' th shine , And by free choice , from good to ill decline . Sweet Saviour cleanse my leprous loathsome soule In that depurpled Fount , which forth thy side Gurgling , did twixt two Lilly-mountaines roule , To rinse Mans tainted Race , Sin soylifide : Wash it more white than the triumphant Swan , That rides o' th silver brest of Eridan . Suffer my prayers harmony to rise Into thine eares , while th' Angels beare a part : Accept my Sighs , as smelling Sacrifice , Sent from the Altar of my bleeding heart ; Vp to thy nostrils , sweet as th' Oyle of Aaron , Or th' odoriferous Rose of flowrie Sharon . The Hart ne're long'd more for the purling brookes ; Nor did the lustfull Goate with more pursuit , After the blossom'd Tritisolie looke , Then do's my panting Soule , t' enjoy the fruit Of thy Life-wa●er ; which if I attaine To taste of once , I ne're shall thirst againe , Even as the chapped ground in Summers heat , Cals to the clouds , and gapes at every showre : Whose thirstie Casma's greedily intreat , As tho they would th' whole house of heav'n deuour ; So do's my riven Soule , be parcht with sin , Yawne wide , to let moyst drops of Mercie in .

Earths Vanitie .

VAnitie of vanities , and all is but vanitie , saith the wisest Preacher that ever wrote : One generation passeth and another commeth , and all is but vexation of spirit . Which divine theorem , that we may the better perceive , let us set our selves to the serious meditation of it : for the more we search , the more we shall see all things to be vanity , nothing constant , nothing for our eternall good , but our soules salvation . Mans life on earth doth no sooner begin , but his end approacheth , his death hasteneth . Some come upon the stage of this world but to have a breathing , and are presently gone : others stay a while longer , it may be a day , perhaps a weeke , perhaps a month , peradventure a yeare , or it may bee some few yeares : but alas ! the longer they stay , the greater their griefe , care , feare , and anxietie of minde . Even in the infancy of age man is oft times left as Moses sometime was , in the flouds of misery ; but as age increaseth , sorrow increaseth , because sinne increaseth : when youth runnes most at randome , and thinketh it selfe most safe , it is then hemm'd in with greatest dangers ; then the rashfoole-hardy minde of man hurrieth him headlong to hell , except the irresistible power of Gods preventing grace doth speedily stay him ; then his wits are even intoxicated with a frenzie of iniquity , and wholly bent upon riotousnesse , rashnesse , luxury , jollitie , superfluity and excesse in carnall pleasures . Hee then devoteth his time and addicteth himselfe to all manner of evill , drinking , dancing , revelling , swaggering , swearing , whoring , gaming , quarreling , fighting ; and in the meane while never thinkes on Heaven , nor feareth hell . His head is frought with vanities his heart with fallacies , where by his soule is brought into ● labyrinth of inextricable miseries . So great is the temerity o● his unadvised minde , that n● consideration of Gods judgements , either past , or present , or to come , can set a stop to his wickednesse . His youthfullnesse damps at no bogges , quagmires , hils , or mountaines ; but wingeth him over all impediments , mounts him over all motives that might way-lay his sinnes . He sticks not to offen● his maker , to recrucifie his Redeemer , to resist ( shall I say his Sanctifier , no , but ) the Spirit whom God hath given to be his sanctifier : and if hee so carry himselfe toward these , no mervaile that he derideth his Tutor , scornes the Minister ( like the little children that mock'd Elisha ) oppresseth his poore brother ( as Pharaoh did the Israelites : ) spareth not Infants ( no more then Herod did ) regardeth not parents , ( no more then Hophni and Phinias did . ) Let the mother direct him ; the father correct him , his ancients instruct him , alas ! all is in vaine : youth makes men head-strong , selfe-conceited and proud , so that they swell with an overweening opinion of their owne worth ; they thinke themselves the onely wits of the time , the onely men of the world , more fit to teach others then to learne themselves , more able to give then to take advice . If they go on a while in their lewd courses without the restraining and renewing Grace of God , they get a habit of evill , are hardned through the custome of sinne , none may resist them , none compare with them , no law of God or man can restraine them ; They take counsell together against Psal. 2. 2 , 3. the Lord , and against his annointed , saying , Let us breake their bands asunder , and cast away their cords from us . Whereupon oftentimes ( the ripenesse of sinn● being hastened by outragiousnesse Nequities vitae non sini● esse senem . of sinning ) God suddenly cuts them off , in their intemperancy , luxury , quarrels , and disorders ; which shewes the● vainenesse to be meere vanity . Suppose they grow as great as Tamberlaine , yet a Gunne , Pike , Arrow ; nay , a Fly , Flea , or Gnat , a dram , nay , a drop of poyson , proves them to bee vaine men : one of these silly creatures may send him presently to his Creator to receive his finall doome . Yet alas ! what doe these most minde ? The bum-basted silken Gallants of our time , that come forth like a May morning , decked with all the glory of Art ; the Epicurean Cormerants , the gus●ing and tipling tosse-pots , the dainty painting Dames , the dedicate mincing Ladies , the sweet-singing Syrens , the dancing Damsels , the finicall youths , the couzening Shop-keeper , the crafty Crafts-man : I say , what doe all these , but set their minds upon vanitie , upon glory , honour , pride , drosse , and such like trash , which weighed in the ballance of the Sanctuary prove lighter then vanity ? Doe we not sometime see more spent upon one suite in Law then would keepe a poore Country towne with the inhabitants for a whole yeare ? See wee not more spent upon one suite of apparell , for one proud carkasse , then would build Free-schoole ? So that the cloathes on many a Gallant backe exceeds his Rent-day See wee not more spent upon Feast to satisfie the curiosity o● a few , then would satisfie th● necessity of a hundred poore wretches almost famished to death ? See wee not more drunke in a Taverne at one sitting by a small company , then would serve a troope of sturdy Souldiers in the field ? Many goe daily to the Tavern , where they sticke not to spend their twelve pence , who would grudge to give one penny , nay , one farthing to a hungry begger . Againe , is there not now more spent upon a Ladies feather , then would pay a meane mans tythes ? Is there not more spent upon one paire of sleeves , then would cloath sixe bodies ? and more spent at a Whitsun-ale , then would keepe the poore of the Parish for a yeare ? Have wee not amongst our Gentry , some of the female sexe , who will spend more upon a Glasse and a pot of complexion , then they will give a whole yeare at their gate ? they must be menders of that which God makes , makers of that which God marres , turning themselves ( like the Camelion ) into all shapes , though never so grisly and ougly ; and being never well till they be most ill , never ( as they conceit ) in fashion , till indeede they be out of all fashion . If this be not a vanity of vanities , who can tell what is vanity ? Every man is an eye-witnesse of this vanity , the more is the pittie that it should bee so common : your Lady , the Merchants wife , the trades mans wife , nay , all of all sorts are a degree above their estate . Your Gallant is no man , unlesse his haire bee of the womans fashion , dangling and waving over his shoulders ; your woman no body , except ( contrary to the modesty of her sexe ) shee be halfe ( at least ) of the mans fashion : shee jets , she cuts , shee rides , she sweares , she games , she smoakes , shee drinkes , and what not that is evill ? Shee is in the universall portraiture of her behaviour , as well as in her accoutrements , more then halfe a man ; the man on the other side , no lesse womanish . We may well admire and exclaime with the Poet , O tempora ! O mores ! O the times ! O the manners of these times ! O quantum est in rebus mane ! O how great a nothing is there in all things ! What a vanity of vanity hath overspread the age we live in ? Were our forefathers now alive to be spectators of this vanity , it would strike them into amazement . In their dayes the Pike , the Speare , the Sword , the Bowe , the Arrow , Musket and Caliever , with the warlike Horse , were the object of exercise and recreation : Now the Pot , the Pipe , Dice and Cards , and such like vanities , indeed worse then the quintessence of the extreamest vanity . We are now all for ease , wee must lye soft , fare deliciously , goe sumptuously , drinke Wine in bowles , carowse healths , till health bee quite drunke away ; nay , we must kneele to our drinke , when we will not kneele to him that gave us our drinke ; we doe homage to that which takes away the use of our legges , nay , of our braines , our hearts , wits , sence , reason , when we refuse homage to him that gave us all these . O vaine man that dost thus forget thy God , and abuse thy selfe ! why dost thou thus suffer thy selfe to be swallowed up in the gulfe of vanity , which hath no bottome but misery ? Why sufferest thou the Divell thus to take thee on the hip , that he may cast thee downe into the Abisse of hell ? Art thou so bewitched with that which will have an end , a sudden end , a wretched end ? Thy honey will prove Gall in the end , and thy Wine , Vinegar . In these faire roses of vanity the Divell hides his pins , that shall pricke thee , when thou lookest to be refreshed with their sweet smels . These vanities we purchase at no easie rate ; it is with the procurement of punishment , and losse of happinesse : As the bird that accepts of the Fowlers meat , buyes it full dearely , with the losse of her owne life : so when we accept these vanities from the Divell , it is with the losse of better things , in price above the whole world . In these contracts with Satan , we make Esau's penniworth , sell Heaven for a messe of pottage ; Glaucus exchange , Gold for Copper . Now thou art pompering thy corruptible flesh ; but let pale death step in , and clap thee on the shoulder , wher 's thy mirth , wher 's thy felicity ? thy voluptuous vanity doth presently expire . There is a banquet set before thee , in which are all varieties of delicacies , but alas ! every one poysoned : darest thou touch or taste any one of them ? by sin thou poysonest all those outward blessings of God , which in themselves are wholesome and good : and wilt thou ingurgitate that which is poyson to thy soule ? Tell me , when all is done , two or three hundred yeares hence , what thou wilt be the better for all thy dainties , more then the poore man that never tasted them ? Nay , how much better in the day of triall , and at the houre of death ? Then all thy pride , pompe , and pleasure shall be turned into squaled deformity , & irrecoverable calamity ; then vanity shewes it selfe in the proper colours , then death , and knell , and hell doe all conspire to aggravate thy sorrow ; yea , then hell begins to come to thee before thou come to it ; thy eyes sleepe not , thy senses rest not , thy perplexed heart burnes within thee , thy wounded conscience bleeds within thee ; thou seest nothing but terror , thou feelest nothing but horror ; thou thinkest thy selfe to be haunted with sprights , ghosts , and hellish furies , stinging thee with Adders , pursuing thee with Torches and fire-brand . That saying of the Heathen man is then , if not before , verified : Suae quemque exagitant furiae ; every man is tormented with his owne fury , which is his conscience . Besides thy wife , children , or other friends ( to the exasperating of thy griefe ) doe stand about thee weeping , as loath to part from thee : whereas thy sinnes follow thee , and will follow thee , doe what thou canst ; hell gapes before thee with a wide mouth as ready to devoure thee , destruction on both sides attends thee : backe thou canst not goe , for a dead corps followes thee so neere that thou canst not part from it , it is tied unto thee with an indissolveable knot ; besides , conscience followes thee , and cries out against thee , and will not leave thee ; continually it presents thee with the dreadfull spectacle of thy dolefull and wofull sinnes . If this were now seriously considered , how would it make thy heart to ake with grieving , thy eyes to swell with weeping , thy hands to bee alwaies lifted up , thy knees ever bended ? How wouldest thou strive to subdue thy flesh to the spirit , sensuality to reason , reason to faith , and faith to the service of God ? But thou dost not now consider this , that thy sinne is so fast linkt to thy conscience , that at the last ( albeit not before ) it will pull and hale thee , and rack and prick thy conscience , which wil accuse , convict , & condemne thee : all thy vanities , all thy iniquities , will then pursue thee like so many furious ghosts . Then ex ore tuo , out of thy own mouth shalt thou be judged , thou evill servant : thy owne mouth shall confesse that thou hast followed nothing but vanity : What a vanity was it for me to make earth my heaven , and so to admire and even adore this earth , that it is a hell to forsake it ? What a wofull bargaine have I made to sell my soule for vanity ? I was borne in vanity , I have lived in vanity , and it is my feare that I shall dye in vanity . Oh how griefe followeth griefe ? my heart is terrified , my thoughts hurried , my conscience tortured , I fry in anguish , I freeze in paine , I stand agast and know not which way to turne me : my friends must forsake me , my foes wil deride me , my earthly joyes and comforts ( I should call them vanities ) have betraid me . Indeed my friends may goe with me to the grave , but there they must leave me ; my riches , pleasures , and such like vanities vanish before ; but my sinnes and conscience will never leave me ; the divell will still pursue me : hee that tempts me now to sinne , will then torment me for sinning , untill I cry out with Caine , My punishment is greater then I can beare . A horse is but a vaine thing to save a man , said the sweet singer of Israel : so say I , all earthly things are too vaine to save a man , to make him blessed , I appeale to the conscience of every man , if thou hast tried the pleasures of vanity ( and who hath not ? ) whether thou maist not take up the words of Saint Paul , What fruit have I of those Rom. 6. 12. things , whereof I am now ashamed ? Shame , and griefe , and guilt , and punishment are the fruit of vanity : enough I thinke to rend our hearts from affecting of it . Thinke upon this thou that art in the trace of vanity , that thou maist make a retreat ; loose no more time herein ( for thou hast already lost too much ) redeeme the time , because the dayes are evill ; and why are they evill , but because they are vaine ? Whatsoever is without the circumference of evill , is above the sphere of vanity . Resolve therefore with thy selfe that all things earthly , worldly , carnall , sinfull , are vaine : the fashion of this world passeth away , saith the Apostle , 1 Cor. 7. 3. The fashion , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a word very emphaticall : it signifies first an accidentall and externall figure without substance ; secondly , the habit , vesture or cloathing of a thing . Saint Paul useth this word to debase the world , by intimating unto us , that the world is cloathed with a vesture , that is , wearing and wasting , the fashion of it lasteth but for a time , it is ready every houre to put on a new fashion : againe , by intimating unto us that the world is without any substantiall forme , like unto shewes and shadowes , that vanish in the representation . Saint Luke cals all Agrippa's pompe but a fancie : David cals the yeares of a man but a tale , Psal. 90. 9. We spend our yeares as a tale that is told . As a tale , nay , as a thought ( for so much the originall word doth import ) and how many thoughts may a man have in an houre ? Nothing is more changable then a vesture , nothing more fugitive then a shadow , nothing more fickle then a fancie , nothing more swift then thought . What a disproportion therefore is it for the immortall soule of a man to bee fastened unto things which are of such a variable nature ? What a folly for us to preferre those which are but momentary ( for so I may more truely call them then temporall ) unto those things which are indeed eternall ? Glasses are in great use amongst us , yet because of their brittlenesse who esteemes them precious ? Wee smell to flowers , because they are sweet ; but because they are fading , we regard them thereafter . It were well if we would deale thus with all other vanities , viz. regard them as they are : use the creatures we may , but not abuse them ; serve our selves of them , but not serve them ; injoy them , but not over-joy in them .

Now because examples are very effectuall , whether we use them by way of dehortation , or whether by way of exhortation , let me propound one or two in this matter whereof I am treating , that by them thou maist be beaten off from the vanities and iniquities of this present evill world . When Alexander in the height of his glory kept * * Conventum terrariō orbis . a Parliament of the whole world , himselfe was summoned by death to appeare in another world . It was a wonderfull president of the vanity and variety of humane condition ( saith the Historian ) to see mighty Justin . l. 2. Zerxes flote and flye away in a small vessel , who before wanted Sea-roome for his Ships . When Belshazzar was laughing and Dan. 5. quaffing with his Princes and Concubines , carowsing healths in the sacred Vessels ; deaths secretary , the hand-writing on the wall , told him he was weighed in the ballance , and his Kingdome was finished . And before him his father Nebuchadnezzar ( at that time the greatest Monarch in the world ) as hee was strouting in his Galleries , and boasting of his owne power and honour , a voyce from Heaven told him that his Kingdome was departed from him , that he Dan. 4. should be driven from amongst men , that hee should have his dwelling with the Beasts of the field , &c. And the sentence was fulfilled on him the same houre . So Zedekiah was a lively spectacle 2 King . 25. of this worlds vanity and misery , who of a potent King became a miserable captive , saw his children slaine before his face , after that had his eyes put out , and died miserably in prison . I had almost forgotten Salomon , the wisest King that ever Eccl. ● . was , having given himselfe to take pleasure in pleasant things , having made great workes , built goodly Houses , planted Vineyards , Gardens , and Orchards , and planted in them trees of all fruit , and having gathered silver and gold , and the chiefe treasures of Kings and Provinces , being now full of wisedome , and schooled with experience , he is licensed to give his sentence of the whole world , and every man knowes what his censure was : Vanity of vanities , Eccl 1. 2. vanity of vanities , all is vanity . This wise King travelled all the world over , and the further he went the more vanity he did see , and the neerer hee looked , the greater it seemed , till at last he could see nothing but vanity . Wouldst thou know what is to bee seene , or heard , or had in this vast Universe ? Vanity saith Salomon , yea vanity of vanities ; and what else ? Vanity of vanities . And what else ? All is vanity . Nothing beneath the Moone that hath not a tincture of vanity . Nay , the Moone it self , the Sunne , all the Planets , all the Starres , the whole body of the Heavens , is become subject to Vanity . The creature is subject unto Vanity , saith the Apostle , Rom. 8. 20. that is , the whole frame of the world , consisting of the coelestiall and elementary region , the visible heavens with all their goodly furniture of Starres and of coelestiall bodies , and the earth with her ornaments , and the other elements . The Heavens shall perish , Ps. 102 ▪ 26. and they shall waxe old as doth a garment , and the Lord shall change them as a vesture , and they shall bee changed . As a garment the older it waxeth , the lesse comely it is , the lesse able to warme him that weares it : so the materiall heavens by continuance of yeares decrease in beauty and veitue . The neerer the Sunne drawes to the end of his daily course , the lesse is his strength ; in the evening wee feele the Sunne to decay in his heat , and he waxeth alway the weaker . Now if those superiour bodies , then much more things inferiour and sublunary are included within the compasse of vanity .

But it was my purpose when I first set upon this subject , so ample and large , to be so much the more short : even understanding can of it self scourse , where such plenty of ●atter is offered . I have there●●re ( according to the modell ●f that gift which God hath ●●en me ) contrived a great picture in a little ring , set forth the ●eat vanity of this world in a ●●tle Map .

Let us now learne the lesson ●f Saint Iohn , the beloved Dis●●ple of Christ , who wrote so ●uch of love , doth yet dehort ● from loving the world , 1 Iohn ● 15. Love not the world , neither ●e things that are in the world . Why not the world ? for three ●asons : 1. If any man love the ●orld , the love of the Father is not ● him . 2. All that is in the world , ●e lust of the flesh , the lust of the ●●s , and the pride of life , is not of the Father , but is of the world 3. The World passeth away , and the lust thereof : that is , it is vain and vanishing , yea in the abstract Vanity . For these reason we must not suffer our hearts t● cleave to the best things in th● world , as if happinesse were t● be found in them . Follow th● counsell of the Holy Ghos● 1 Cor. 7. 31. Use this world 〈◊〉 though thou used it not , for th● fashion of this world goeth 〈◊〉 way . Use the things of th● world as helpes to thee in th● travell to heaven-ward , but 〈◊〉 them not steale away thy hea●● from better things , from Go● and Christ , and Heaven , an● peace of conscience , and joy the Holy Ghost : these must d●light the heart of a Christian , who was redeemed , not with corruptible things , as silver and gold , 1 Pet. 1 19. but with the precious bloud of Jesus Christ , in comparison of whom all the things of the world must seeme losse and drosse , and dung , and whatsoever is most despicable in the eyes of man . If riches increase , set not thy heart upon them : no ●reasure , no pleasure , no honour , nor gold , nor plate , nor jewels , Ps. 26. 10. nor house , nor land , nor apparell , nor friends , must steale away thy heart . We must be ●ffected to these things , as Theodoricke the good King of A●●taine In 〈◊〉 i●ctib●● tacet , in ma●● rides , in utrisque Philosophatur was with his play ; * In good casts he was silent , in ill mer●y , in neither angry , in both a Phylosopher , or a wise man . We must not make these a rivall unto God , we must not leaue upon these by our confidence : for they are a reed that shall quickly breake , and the shivers will run into our hand .

Death is the most terrible of all things that are terrible , said the Philosopher Aristotle : it is terrible both to man and beast , but most terrible to a wicked man that is worse then a beast , when he remembers his sinfull life past , the complexion of his flesh , the palenesse of his face , the dissolution of his members , the rottennesse of his bones , the obscurenesse of his grave , the solitarinesse of his sepulcher , the gnawing of wormes , and the like . But alas ( albeit these are terrible , yet ) these are nothing without the consideration of sin , which is the sting of death , the strength and victory of the grave . Thinke upon thy sinnes , whereof thou art guilty , and for which thou must dye , as the condemned malefactor that after sentence pronounced , is hurried to the fatall place of execution , to suffer deserved punishment . Remember , yea againe and againe . I say , remember , how miserably , how violently , how suddainely , others have suffered death , that were guilty of those sins which are more predominant in thee then they were in them . Art thou a thiefe ? which thou maist be , though thou wert never attached for theft by the lawes of men ; for covetousnesse is a Pick-purse before God : read and remember how Achan dyed , Iosh. 7. Art thou a whoremaster ? which thou maist bee as well in thy minde as in thy body : then read and remember how Hophni 2 Sam. 3. Numb. 25. 8. and Phineas dyed , how Zimri and Cesbi were slaine in the very act of their uncleannesse . And Iezabel an impudent strumpet dyed a sodaine and shamefull death . Art thou a blasphemous swearer that dost rend & grinde the sacred name of God betweene thy teeth ? Remember him under the Law that was stoned to death for his blasphemy . Art thou an Idolatrous impe of the Popish Church , that dost leave our Lord to worship our Lady , and give that honour to Saints , nay , to stockes and stones , which is proper to God alone ? call to minde how Sennacherib was slaine in the midst Isa. 37. ult. of his Idolatry . Art thou an intemperate drunkard , that dost sacrifice thy time and state , nay , soule and body unto Bacchus , rising early to drinke strong drinke , and sitting up late till Wine inflame thee ? thinke upon Belshazzar that was slaine in the midst of his cups , whilst Dan. ● ▪ ult. he was drinking in that Wine , which the swords of his insulting enemies drew out of him together with his latest blood . Art thou a covetous Usurer , that dost let out thy money to men , thy time to Mammon , and thy soule to Satan , that like a common Hackney jade wilt not beare thy debtors one houre past thy day ? or art thou a griping oppressor , that dost racke thy poore tenants , and exact upon thy neighbour , to gaine a little transitory trash ? Remember Nabal , and remember that Miser in the Gospell , who being Lut. 12 asleep in security , and dreaming of enlarged barns and plentifull harvests , was sodainly bereft of all , and being awaked upon the hearing of his Soule-knell perceived himself to be forever wrerched . Consider whether these and the like sinners , that have made their souls the slaves of vanity , have not in the end made themselves the slaves of misery . Have they prospered , or have they perished ? if they have prospered , then follow them ; if perished ( as indeed they have ) then in the feare of God retire out of their paths , left thou bee speedily cut off , having no information of the danger , till thine own eyes amazed with the sodainnesse behold it in the shape of inevitable damnation . Be thou warned by their examples ; for God hath punished sinne in them , to prevent sinne in thee : Vt exempla Cyprian ser. 5. de Laps . sint omnium , torment a paucorum ; that the torments of some few may be terrours unto all : like as thunderbolts fall ( Paucorum periculo , sed omnium metu ) to the hurt but of few , though not without the horror of all . That ship which sees another ship sinke before her , lookes about her , puls downe her saile , turneth her course , and escapes the sands , which else would swallow her up as they did the other . When the earth swallowed up Corah and his confederates , all Israel that were round about them , fled at the cry of them , for they said , Lest the earth swallow us up also , Num. 16. 34. The Bird will not light on the lime-bush , nor into the net , if shee see another insnared before her ; the Horse will not follow another , whom he sees to sticke fast in the mire : oh be not lesse wise then bird or beast , nor more brutish then Horse and Mule that hath no understanding . If thou seest another fall into the fire , thou wilt not willingly follow him ; then follow not sinners to the fire of hell , lest thou be constrained at last , when it shall bee too late , to bewaile thy folly : to cry out with those that have mispent their time in vanity , Oh that now I might die Thus Franci● Spira cried out , after hee had renounced the profession of true pietie , for the possession of earths vanity . the death of the righteous ! Oh that I might not die at all ! Oh that I might feele in my conscience the least hope of pardon , which is as unpossible as to un●ade all the water in the vast Ocean with aspoone ! Oh that God would give mee the least dram of grace , which is as impossible as for the least graine of Mustardseed to fill the whole earth ! prevent this betimes , which thou maist doe , by abandoning the vanity of the world ; and so live , that wheresoever or howsoever thou dyest , whether abroad or at home , by day or by night , sleeping or waking , whether a sodaine death or a deliberate death , thou maist willingly commend thy spirit unto the hands of God as unto the hands of a faithfull Creator ; and maist say with the Bride , Come Lord Iesu , even so , come Lord Iesu , come quickly : my heart is prepared Rev. 2● to enter into thy rest , receive me into the armes of thy mercy , entertaine mee into thy owne kingdome , that leaving the vanity of this world , I may with thy glorified Angels and blessed Saints , enjoy that everlasting felicity of a better world , which never shall have an end .

Adew therfore vaine world , with all worldly delights whatsoever : and now solitary soule begin to take thy solace in better things . And to prove the world vaine , and consequently thy selfe vaine , behold these shapes , read these Verses , and in order open the leaves that are folded up . Herein , as in a mirrour , behold thy owne estate , reade , and consider what thou readest , that thou maist know and see thy owne vanity . Here thou shalt see what thou wert , what thou art , and what thou shalt be . Dust thou wert , dust thou art , and unto dust thou shalt returne : dust in thy creation , dust in thy constitution , dust in thy dissolution .

Hels Torments .

I. THough long it were since Adam was , Yet seemes he here to be ; A blessed creature once he was , Now naked as you see : Whose wife was cause of all my care , To say I may be bold : Turne back the leaves , and then you may My picture there behold . II. To thinke upon the workes of God , All worldly men may wonder : But thinking on thy sinnes O man , Thy heart may burst asunder : The sinner sits and sweetly sings , And so his heart beguiles . Till I come with my bitter stings , And turne to griefe his smiles . III. Muse not to gaze upon my shape , Whose nakednesse you see ; By flattering and deceitfull words , The Divell deceived me : Let me example be to all , That once from God doe range : Turne backe the leaves , and then behold Another sight as strange . IV. Had Adam and Eve never beene As there you saw their shape , I never had deceived them , Nor they ere made debate : But turne , behold where both doe stand And lay the fault on me : Turne backe the upper and nether crests , There each of them you see . I. III. Here we doe standin perfect state , All formed as we were ; But what the Serpent did by hate , Shall sodainely appeare : Then here behold how both doe stand , And where the fault did lye : Th' almighty power did so command , That once we all must dye . II. IV. See what comes of wicked deed , As all men well doe know ; And for the same God hath decreed That we should live in woe : The dust it was my daily food , Vnto it we must turne ; And darknesse is my chiefe abode , In sorrow so we mourne .

Of the punishments which the Lord threatneth unto such as live a sinfull life .

ONe of the principall meanes that our Lord hath used oftentimes to bridle the hearts of men , and to draw them unto the obedience of his commandements , hath beene , to set before their eyes the horrible plagues and punishments that are prepared for such persons as bee rebels and transgressours of his Law . For although the hope of the rewards that are promised unto the good in the life to come , may move us very much hereunto : yet are wee commonly more moved with things that be irkesome unto us , than with such as be pleasant : even as we see by daily experience , that we are vexed more with an injury done unto us , than delighted with any honour ; and we are more troubled with sicknesse , than comforted with health : and so by the discommodity of sicknes , we come to understand the commodity of health , as by a thing so much the better perceived , by how much more it is sensibly felt . Now for this cause did our Lord in times past use this meane more than any other , as it appeareth most clearely by the writings of the Prophets , which are every where full of dreadfull sayings and threatnings , wherewith our Lord pretendeth to put a terrour into the hearts of men , and so to bridle and subdue them under the obedience of his Law . And for this end he commanded the Prophet Ieremie , That hee should take a white booke , and write in the same all the threatnings and calamities which hee had revealed unto him , even from the first day he began to mlke with him , untill that present houre , and that he should read the same in the presence of all the people , to see if peradventure they would bee moved therewith unto repentance , and to change their former life , to the end , that hee might also change the determination of his wrath , which he had purposed to execute upon them . And the holy Scripture saith , That when the Prophet had done according as hee was commanded by almighty God , and had read all those threatnings in the presence of the people , and of the Rulers ; there arose such a feare and terrour amongst them , that they were all astonished , and as it were bestraughted of their wits , looking one in anothers face , for the exceeding great fear which they had conceived of those words . This was one of the principall means which Almighty God used with men in the time of the written Law , and so he did also in the time of the Law of graces in which , the holy Apostle saith , That as there is revealed a justice , whereby God maketh men just , so is there also revealed an indignation and wrath , whereby he punisheth the unjust : for which cause , S. Iohn Baptist ( the glorious forerunner of our Saviour Christ ) was sent with this commission and embassage , to preach unto the world , That the axe was now put to the rooot of the tree , and that every tree that brought not forth good fruit , should bee cut downe and cast into the fire . Hee said moreover , That there was another come into the world , more mighty than hee , that carried in his hand a fanne to winnow and cleanse therewith his floore , and that he would put up the corne into his garner , but the chaffe hee will burne in a fire that should never bee quenched . This was the preaching and embassage which ●he holy fore-runner of our Saviour Jesus Christ brought ●nto the world . And so great was the thunder of these words , ●nd the terrour which entered ●nto mens hearts so dreadfull , that there ran unto him of all ●sates and conditions of men , ●ven of the very Pharisees and Publicans , yea , and Souldiers also ( which of all others are wont to be most dissolute , and to have the least care of their consciences ) and each of them demanded for himselfe particularly of that holy man , what he should doe to attaine unto salvation , and to escape those terrible threatnings which hee had denounced unto them , so great was the feare they had conceived of them .

And this is that ( deare Christian brother ) which I doe a this present ( in the behalfe o● Almighty God ) deliver unto thee , although not with such fervency of spirit and like holinesse of life , yet that which importeth more in this case , with the same truth and certainty ; for so much as the faith and Gospell which Saint Iohn Baptist then preached , is even the same now taught .

Now , if thou be desirous to understand in few words , how great the punishment is , that Almighty God hath threatned in his holy Scriptures to the wicked , that which may most briefly and most to the purpose be spoken in this matter , is this : That ●●ke as the reward of the good is ●● universall good thing , even ●o the punishment of the wicked is an universall evill , which comprehendeth in it al the evils ●●at are . For the better understanding whereof it is to be no●●d , That all the evils of this life are particular evils , and therefore doe not torment all our sences generally , but onely one or some of them . As taking an example of the diseases of our body ; we see , that one hath a disease in his eyes , another i● his eares : one is sicke in th● heart , another in the stomacke some other in his head . And so divers men are diseased in diver parts of the body , howbeit , ● such wise , that none of all the diseases be generally through out all the members of the body , but particular to some on of them . And yet for all thi● we see what griefe onely one ● these diseases may put us unt● and how painefull a night t● sicke man hath in any one these infirmities , yea , although ●t be nothing else but a little ach ●n one tooth . Now let us put the case , that there were some one man sicke of such an universall disease , that he had no part of his body , neither any one joynt or sence free from his proper paine , but that at one ●ime and instant hee suffered most exceeding sharpe torment ●n his head , in his eyes , and ●ares , in his teeth , and stomack , ●n his liver and heart : and to be ●hort , in all the rest of his members and joynts of his body , and ●hat he lay after this sort stret●hing himselfe in his bed , being ●ained with these greeses and ●orments , every member of his ●ody having his particular torment and griefe : Hee ( I say that should lye thus pained and afflicted , how great torment and griefe of minde and body ( thinke ye ) should he sustaine : Oh , what thing could any man imagine more miserable , and more worthy of compassion ▪ Surely , if thou shouldest see bu● a dogge to be so tormented and grieved in the street , his very paines would move thy hear to take pitty upon him . Now this is that ( my deare Christian brother , if any comparison may be made betweene them ) which is suffered in that most curse● and horrible place of hell , and not onely during for the spac● of one night , but everlastingly for ever and ever . For like the wicked men have offended Almighty God with all their members and sences , and have made armour of them all to serve sinne , even so will he ordaine , that they shall bee there tormented every one of them with his propertorment .

There shall the wanton unchaste eyes be tormented with the terrible sight of Divels : the cares with the confusion of such horrible cries and lamentations which shall there be heard : the nose with the intollerable stinke of that ougly , filthy , and loathsome place : the taste , with a most ravenous hunger and thirst : the touching , and all the members of the body with extreame burning fire . The imagination shall be tormented by the conceiving of griefes present : the memory , by calling to minde the pleasures past : the understanding , by considering what benefits are lost , and what endlesse miseries are to come .

This multitude of punishments the holy Scripture signifieth unto us , when it saith , Mat. 15. Psal. 10. That in hell there shall be hunger , thirst , weeping , wailing , gnashing of teeth , swords double edged , spirits created for revengement , serpents , wormes , scorpions , hammers , wormewood , water of gall , the spirit of tempest , and other things of like sort . Whereby are signified unto us ( as in a figure ) the multitude and dreadfull terrous of the most horrible torments and paines that be in that cursed place . There shall bee likewise darkenesse inward and outward , both of body and soule , farre more obscure than the darkenesse of Aegypt , which was to be felt even with hands , Exod. 20. There shall be fire also , not as this fire here , that tormenteth a little , and shortly endeth , but such a fire as that place requireth , which tormenteth exceedingly , and shall never make an end of that tormenting . This being true , what greater wonder can there be , than that they which beleeve and confesse this for truth , should live with such most strange negligence and carelesnesse as they doe ? What travell and paines would not a man willingly take to escape even one onely day , yea , one houre , the very least of these torments ? and wherefore doe they not then , to escape the everlastingnesse of so great paines and horrible torments , endure so little a travell , as to follow the exercise of vertue . Surely , the consideration of this matter were able to make any sinfull soule to feare and tremble , in case it were deepely regarded .

And if amongst so great number of paines , there were any manner hope of end or release , it would be some kinde of comfort : but alas it is not so , for there the gates are fast shut up from all expectation of any manner of ease or hope . In all kinde of paines and calamities that be in this world , there is alwaies some gap lying open , whereby the patient may receive some kinde of comfort : sometimes reason , sometimes the weather , sometimes his friends , sometimes the hearing that others are troubled with the very same disease , and sometimes ( at the least ) the hope of an end may cheare him : onely in these most horrible paines and miseries that be in hell , all the waies are shut up in such sort , and all the havens of comfort so embarred , that the miserable sinner cannot hope for remedy on any side , neither of heaven , nor of earth , neither of the time past , or present , or of the time to come , or of any other meanes . The damned soules thinke , that all men are shooting darts at them , and that all creatures have conspired against them , and that even they themselves are cruell against themselves . This is that distresse whereof the sinners doe lament by the Prophet , saying : The sorrowes of hell have compassed me round about , and the snares of death have besieged me : For on which side soever they looke or turne their eyes , they doe continually behold occasions of sorrow and griefe , and none at all of any ease or comfort . The wise Virgins ( saith the Evangelist ) that stood ready prepared at the gate of the Bridegroome , entred in , and the gate was forthwith locked fast . O locking everlasting , O enclosure immortall , O gate of all goodnesse , which shal never any more be opened againe . As if he had said more plainely , the gate of pardon , of mercy , of comfort , of grace , of intercession , of hope , and of all other goodnesse , is shut up for ever and ever . Six daies and no more was Manna to be gathered , but the seventh day , which was the Sabbath day , was there none to bee found : and therefore shall he fast for ever , that hath not in due time made his provision aforehand . The sluggard ( saith the Wise man ) will not till his ground for feare of cold , and therefore shall he beg his bread in summer , and no man shall give him to eat . And in another place he saith : He that gathereth in summer , is a wise sonne , but hee that giveth himselfe to sleeping at that season , is the sonne of confusion . For what confusion can be greater then that which that miserable covetous rich man suffereth , who with a few crums of bread that fell from his table , might have purchased to himselfe abundance of everlasting felicity , and glory in the kingdome of Heaven ? But because he would not give so small a thing , he came to such an extreame necessity that he begged ( yea , and shall for ever beg in vaine ) onely one drop of water , and shall never obtaine it . Who is not moved with that request of that unfortunate damned person , who cried , O father Abraham have compassion on me , and send downe Lazarus unto me , that hee may dip the tip of his finger in water , and touch my tongue , for these horrible flames doe torment me exceedingly . What smaller request could there be desired than this ? He durst not request so much as one cup of water , neither that Lazarus should put his whole hand into the water , nor yet ( which is more to be wondered at ) did he request so much as the whole finger , but onely the tip of it , that it might but touch his tongue ; and yet even this alone would not be granted unto him . Whereby thou maiest perceive , how fast the gate of all consolation is shut up , and how universall that interdict and excommunication is that is there laid upon the damned , sith this rich Glutton could not obtaine so much as this small request . So that wheresoever the damned persons doe turne their eyes , and on which side soever they stretch their hands , they shall not finde any manner of comfort , be it never so small . And as he that is in the Sea choaked , and almost drowned under the water , not finding any stay whereupon to set his foot , stretcheth forth his hands oftentimes on every side in vaine ( because all that he graspeth after , is thin and liquid water , which deceives him ) even so shall it fare with the damned persons , when they shall be drowned in that deepe Sea of so many miseries , where they shall strive and struggle alwaies with death , without finding any succour or place of stay , whereupon they may rest themselves . Now this is one of the greatest paines wherewith they be tormented in that cursed place : for if these torments should have their continuance limited but for a certaine time , though it were for a thousand , yea , a hundred thousand millions of yeares , yet even this would be some little comfort unto them , for nothing is perfectly great , in case it have an end : But alas , they have not so much as this poore and miserable comfort : but contrariwise , their paines are equall in continuance with the eternity of Almighty God , and the lasting of their misery with the eternity of Gods glory . As long as Almighty God shall live , so long shall they die : and when Almighty God shall cease to be God , then shall they also cease to be as they are . O deadly life , O immortall death ! I know not whether I may truely tearme thee , either life or death : for if thou be life , why dost thou kill ? And if thou be death , why doest thou endure ? Wherefore I will call thee neither the one , nor the other , for so much as in both of them there is contained something that is good : as in life there is rest , and in death there is an end ( which is a great comfort to the afflicted ) but thou hast neither rest nor end . What art thou then ? Marry , thou art the worst of life , and the worst of death ; for of death thou hast the torment , without any end , and of life thou hast the continuance without any rest . O bitter composition , O unsavory purgation of our Lords cup ! of the which , all the sinners of the earth shall drinke their part .

Now in this continuance in this eternity , I would wish that thou ( my deare Christian brother ) wouldst fixe the eyes of thy consideration a little while : and that as the cleane beast cheweth the cud , even so thou wouldest weigh this point within thy selfe with great deliberation . And to the intent thou maiest doe it the better , consider a little the paines that a sicke man abideth in one evill night , especially if he be vexed with any vehement griefe , or sharpe disease . Marke how oft he tumbleth and tosseth in his bed , what disquietnesse he hath , how long and tedious one night seemeth unto him , how duely he counteth all the houres of the clocke , and how long hee deemeth each houre of them to be , how he passeth the time in wishing for the dawning of the day , which notwithstanding , is like to helpe him little towards the curing of his disease . If this then be accounted so great a torment , what torment shall that be ( thinke you ) in that everlasting night in hell , which hath no morning , nor so much as any hope of any dawning of the day : O darknesse most obscure ! O night everlasting ! O night accursed even by the mouth of Almighty God and all his Saints ! That one shall wish for light , and shall never see it , neither shall the brightnesse of the morning arise any more . Consider then what a kinde of torment shall that bee , to live everlastingly in such a night as this is , lying not in a soft bed ( as the sicke man doth ) but in a hot burning furnace , foming out such terrible raging flames . What shoulders shall be able to abide those horrible heats . If it seeme to us as a thing intollerable to have onely some part of our feet standing upon a pan of burning coales , for the space of repeating the Lords prayer . What shall it be ( thinke you ) to stand body and soule burning in the midst of those everlasting hot raging fires in hell , in comparison of which , the fires of this world are but painted fires . Is there any wit or judgement in this world ? Have men their right sences ? doe they understand what these words import ? or are they peradventure perswaded , that these are onely the fables of Poets ? or doe they thinke , that this appertaineth not to them , or else that it was onely ment for others ? None of all this can they say , for so much as our faith assureth us most certainely herein . And our Saviour Christ himselfe , who is everlasting truth , crieth out in his Gospell , saying , Heaven and earth shall faile , but my word shall not faile .

Of this misery there followeth another as great as it , which is , that the paines are alwaies continuing in one like degree , without any manner of intermission , or decreasing . All manner of things that are under the cope of heaven , doe move and turn round about with the same heaven , and doe never stand still at one state or being , but are continually either ascending or descending . The sea and the rivers have their ebbing and flowing , the times , the ages , and the mutable fortune of men , and of kingdomes , are evermore in continuall motion . There is no feaver so fervent , that doth not decline , neither griefe so sharp , but that after it is much augmented , it doth forthwith decrease . To be short , all the tribulations and miseries are by little and little worne away with time , and as the common saying is , Nothing is sooner dried up than teares . Onely that paine ●n hell is alwaies greene , onely that feaver never decreaseth , onely that extremity of heat knoweth not what is either evening or morning . In the time of Noahs flood , Almighty God ●ained forty daies and forty ●ights , continually without ●easing upon the earth , and this ●●fficed to drowne the whole world . But in that place of torment in hell , there shall raine everlasting vengeance , and darts ●f furie upon that cursed land , without ever ceasing so much as ●e onely minute or moment . ●ow what torment can bee ●eater and more to be abhor●d , than continually to suffer ●●r one like manner , without any kinde of alteration or change ? Though a meat bee never so delicate , yet in case we feed continually thereupon , it will in very short time be very loathsome unto us : for no meat can be more precious and delicate than that Manna was , which almighty God sent down unto the children of Israel in the Desart , and yet because they did eat continually thereof , i● made them to loath it , yea , and provoked them to vomit it up againe . The way that is all plaine ( they say ) wearieth more than any other , because alwaies the variety ( yea , even in punishment ) is a kinde of comfort ▪ Tell me then , if things that be pleasant and savoury , when the● be alwaies after one manner , are an occasion of loathsomenesse and paine : what kinde of loathsomenesse will that bee which shall be caused by those most horrible paines and torments in hell , which doe continue everlastingly after one like sort ? What will the damned and cursed creatures think , when they shall there see themselves so utterly obhorred and forsaken of Almighty God , that he will not so much as with the remission of any one sinne , mitigate somwhat their torments . And so great shall the fury and rage be which they shall there conceive against him , that they shall never cease continually to curse and blaspheme his holy name . Unto all these paines , there is also added the paine of that everlasting consumer , to wit , the worme of conscience , whereof the holy Scripture maketh so oftentimes mention , saying , Their worme shall never die , and their fire shall never bee quenched . This worme is a furious raging despight and bitter repentance , without any fruit , which the wicked shall alwaies have in hell , by calling to their remembrance the opportunity and time they had whiles they were in this world , to escape those most grievous and horrible torments , and how they would not use the benefit thereof . And therefore when the miserable sinner seeth himselfe thus to be tormented and vexed on every side , and doth call to minde how many dayes and yeeres he hath spent idely in vanities , pastimes , and pleasures ; and how oftentimes he was advertised of this perill , and how little regard he tooke thereof : What shall he thinke ? What anguish and sorrow shall there be in his heart ? Hast thou not read in the Gospell , that there shall be weeping and wailing , and gnashing of teeth ? The famine of Aegypt endur'd onely seven yeares , but that in hell shall endure everlastingly . In Aegypt they found a remedy , though with great difficulty and charge ; out for this , there shall never a●y remedy bee found . Theirs was redeemed with money and cattell , but this can never be redeemed with any manner of exchange . This punishment cannot bee pardoned , this paine cannot be exchanged , this sentence cannot be revoked . Oh , if thou knewest and wouldest consider , how every one condemned to hell , shall there remaine tormenting and renting himselfe , weeping and wailing , and saying , O miserable and unfortunate wretch that I am , what times and opportunities have I suffered to passe in vaine ? A time there was , when with one cup of cold water I might have purchased to my selfe a crowne of glory , and when also with such necessary workes of mercy in relieving the poore , I might have gained life everlasting . Wherefore did I not looke before me ? How was I blinded with things present ? How did J let passe the fruitfull yeares of abundance , and did not enrich my selfe ? If J had beene brought up amongst Infidels and Pagans , and had beleeved that there had beene nothing else but only to be borne , and to die , then might I have had some kinde of excuse , and might have said . I knew not what was commanded or prohibited me : but for so much as I have lived amongst Christians , and was my selfe one of them professed , and held it for an article of my beleefe , that the houre should come when I should give up an account after what order I had spent my life : forsomuch also as it was daily cried out unto me by the continuall preaching and teaching of Gods Embassadours ( whose advertisements many following , made preparation in time , and laboured earnestly for the provision of good workes : ) forasmuch I say as I made light of all these examples , and perswaded my selfe very fondly , that Heaven was prepared for me , though I tooke no paines for it at all : what deserve I that have thus led my life ? O ye infernall furies , come and rent me in peeces , and devoure these my bowels , for so have I justly deserved , I have deserved eternall famishment , seeing I would not provide for my selfe while I had time . I deserve not to reape , because I have not sowne ; I am worthy to be destitute , because I have not laid up in store ; I deserve that my request should now be denied me , sith when the poore made request unto me , I refused to releeve them : I have deserved to sigh and lament so long as God shall be God ; I have deserved , that this worme of conscience shall gnaw ●ine entrails for ever and ever , by representing unto mee the ●ittle pleasure that I have en●oyed , and the great felicity which I have lost , and how far greater that was which I might have gained , by forgoing that little which J would not forgoe . This is that immortall worme that shall never dye , but shall lye there everlastingly gnawing at the entrailes of the wicked , which is one of the most terrible paines that can possibly be imagined .

Peradventure thou art now perswaded ( good Reader ) that there can be added no more unto this , than hath beene said : But surely the mighty arme of God wanteth not force to chastise his enemies more & more : for all these paines that are hitherto rehearsed , are such as doe appertaine generally to all the damned : but besides these generall paines , there are also other particular paines , which each one of the damned shall there suffer in divers sorts , according to the quality of his sinne . And so according to this proportion , the haughty and proud shall there be abased and brought low to their great confusion . The covetous shall bee driven to great necessity . The glutton shall rage with continuall hunger and thirst . The lecherous shall burne in the very same flames which they themselves have enkindled . And those that have al their life time hunted after their pleasures and pastimes , shall live there in continuall lamentation and sorrow . But because examples are of very great force to move our hearts , I will bring onely one for this purpose , wherby somewhat of this matter may the better be perceived . It is written of a certaine holy man , that he saw the paines ( in spirit ) of a licentious and worldly man in this sort . First , he saw how the divels that were present at the houre of his death , when hee yeelded up his ghost , snatched away his soule with great rejoycing , and made a present thereof to the Prince of darkenesse , who was then sitting in a chaire of fire , expecting the comming of this present . Immediately after that it was presented before him , he arose up out of his seat , and said unto the damned soule , that he would give him the preheminence of that honourable seat , because he had been a man of honour , and was alwaies very much affected to the same . Incontinently after that he was placed therein , crying and lamenting in that honourable torment , there appeared before him two other most ougly divels , and offered him a cup full of most bitter and stinking liquor , and made him to drinke and carouse it up all perforce ; saying , It is meet , sithence thou hast beene a lover of precious wines and bankets , that thou shouldest likewise prove of this our wine , whereof all we doe use to drinke in these parts .

Immediately after this there came other two , with two fiery trumpets , and setting them at his eares , began to blow into them flames of fire , saying , This melody have we reserved for thee , understanding that in the world thou wast very much delighted with minstrelcie and wanton songs : and sodainly he espied other divels , loaden with vipers and serpents , the which they threw upon the breast and bellies of that miserable sinner , saying unto him , that for somuch as he had beene greatly delighted with the wanton embracings and lecherous lusts of women , he should now solace himselfe with these refreshings , instead of those licentious delights and pleasures , which he had enjoyed in the world . After this sort ( as the Prophet Esay saith in the 47. Chapter ) when the sinner is punished , there is given measure for measure , to the end , that in such a great variety and proportion of punishments , the order and wisedome of Gods justice , might the more manifestly appeare .

This vision hath Almighty God shewed in spirit to this holy man for advertisement and instruction , not that in hell these things are altogether so materially done , but that by them we might understand in some manner the variety and multitude of the paines which bee there appointed for the damned . Whereof , I know not how some of the Pagans have had a certaine knowledge : for a Poet speaking of this multitude of paines , affirmed , That although he had a hundred mouthes , and as many tongues , with a voice as strong as Iron , yet were they not able onely to expresse the names of them . A Poet he was that spake this , but truely therin he spake more like a Prophet or an Evangelist than a Poet. Now then , if all this evill shall most assuredly come to passe , what man is he , that seeing all this so certainely with the eyes of his faith , will not turne over the leafe , and begin to provide for himselfe against that time ? Where is the judgement of men now become ? Where is their wits ? yea , where is at least their selfe-love , which seeketh evermore for his owne profit , and is much afraid of any losse ? May it be thought that men are become beasts , that provide onely for the time present ? Or have they peradventure so dimmed their eye-sight , that they cannot looke before them ? Hearken ( saith Esay ) O yee deafe and ye blinde , open your eyes that you may see ; Who is blinde but my servant ? And who is deafe but wee , unto whom I have sent my messengers ? And who is blind , but he that suffereth himselfe to be sold for a slaue ? Thou that seest so many things , wilt thou not suffer thy selfe to see this ? Thou that hast thine eares open , wilt thou not giue eare hereunto ? If thou beleeve not this , how art thou then a Christian ? If thou beleeve it , and doest not provide for it , how canst thou be thought a reasonable man ? Aristotle saith , That this is the difference betweene opinion and imagination , that an imagination alone is not sufficient to cause a feare , but an opinion is a for if I doe imagine that a house may fall upon mee , it is no● enough to make me afraid , unlesse J beleeve or have an opinion it will be so indeed : fo● then it is sufficient to make mee afraid . And hereof commeth the feare that murderers alwaies have , by reason of the suspition they conceive , that their enemies doe lye in wai● for them . If then the opinion and onely suspition of danger is able to cause the greatest courage to feare , how is it that the certainty and beleefe of so many and so great terrible miseries which are farre more sure than any opinion ) doth not make thee to feare ? If thou perceivest , that for these many yeares past thou hast led a licentious and sinfull life , and that at the last , according to present justice , thou art condemned to these horrible torments in hell : if also there appeare by probable conjecture , that there is no more likelihood of thy amendment for ensuing years to come , than there was in those already past , how happeneth it , that running head long into so manifest a danger , thou art not at all afraid ? Especially , considering the sinfull state wherein thou livest , and the horrible paines and torments which doe attend for thee , and the time which thou hast lost , and the endlesse repentance which thou shall have therefore in the most horrible torments of hell . Assuredly , it goes beyond the compasse of all common sence and conceit of humane reason , to consider , That there should be such negligent , wilfull , grosse , and carelesse blindnesse , able to enter and take such deepe rooting in the soule of man .

The Conclusion of all the Premises .

IF now all this be so , I beseech thee even for the bitter passion of our sweet ●viour Jesus Christ , to remember thy selfe , and consider that thou art a Christian , ●●d that thou beleevest assu●dly for a most undoubted ●●th , whatsoever the true faith ●●sructeth thee . This faith telleth thee , that thou hast a judge above that seeth all the steps and motions of thy life and that certainely there shall a day come , when he will require an account of thee , even for every idle word . This faith teacheth thee , That a man is no● altogether at an end when he dieth , but that after this temporall life , there remaineth another everlasting life ; and tha● the soules die not with th● bodies , but that whiles th● body remaineth in the grave untill the generall day of judgement , the soule shall enter into another new country , and into a new world , where it shall have such habitation and company as the faith and workes we which it had in this life . This faith telleth thee also , that both the reward of vertue , and the punishment of vice , is athing so wonderfull , that although the whole world were full of bookes , and all creatures were writers , yet should they all be wearied , and the world come to an end , before they should end their description , and make a perfect declaration what is comprehended in each one of these points . This faith informeth thee also , that the debts and duties which we owe to Almighty God , are so great , that albeit a man had so many lives ●s there be sands in the Sea , yet would they not suffice , if they were al employed in his service . And this faith likewise telleth thee , that vertue is such an excellent treasure , that all the treasures of the world , and all that mans heart can desire , are in no sort comparable unto it .

Wherefore , if there be so many and so great respects that doe invite us unto vertue , how commeth it to passe , that there be so few lovers and followers of the same ? If men be moved with gaine & commodity , what greater commodity can there be than to attaine life everlasting ? I they be moved with feare of punishment , what greater punishment can be found , than the mo●● horrible everlasting dreadful torments in the lake of fire and brimstone , to continue eve● world without end ? If that bonds of debts and benefits ; what debts are greater than ●hese which we owe unto almighty God , as well for that he ●s what he is , as also for that which we have received of him ? ●f the feare of perils doe moove ●s , what greater perill can there be than death , the houre thereof being so uncertaine , and the ●ccount so strait ? If thou be moved with peace , liberty , quitnesse of minde , and with a ●leasant life , ( which are things ●hat all the world desires ) it is ●ertaine , that all these are found ●uch better in the life that is ●overned by vertue and reason , ●han in that life which is ruled ●y the affections and passions of the minde , for so much as ma● is a reasonable creature , and n● beast . Howbeit , in case tho● account all this as not sufficient to move thee thereunto , yet l●● it suffice thee to consider further , that even almighty God ● abased himselfe for thy sak● that he descended from heave unto the earth , and became man , and whereas hee create the whole world in sixe daye hee bestowed three and thi● yeares about thy redemption yea , and was also contented ●● the same to loose his life . Almighty God dyed , that sin● should dye ; and yet for all th● doe we endeavour , that sin● might live in our hearts , n●● withstanding that our Lo●● purposed to take away the life of sinne with his owne death . If this matter were to be discussed with reason , surely this already spoken might suffice to prevaile with any reasonable creature : for not onely in beholding almighty God upon the crosse , but whethersoever wee doe turne our eyes , wee shall finde , that every thing crieth out to us , and calleth upon us to receive this so excellent a benefit : for there is not a thing created in the world ( if wee duely consider it ) but doth invite us to the love and service of our Saviour Jesus Christ , insomuch , that looke how many creatures there be in the world , so many preachers there are , so many bookes , so many voices , and so many reasons , which do all call us unto almighty God .

And how is it possible then , that so many callings as these are , so many promises , so many threatnings , and so many provocations , should not suffice to bring us unto him ? What might almighty God have done more than he hath done , or promised more greater blessings than hee hath promised , or threatned more grievous and horrible torments than he hath threatned , to draw us unto him , and to plucke us away from sinne ? And yet all this notwithstanding , how commeth it to passe , that there is so great ( I will not say arrogancy , but ) bewitching of men , that doe beleeve these things to be certainly true , and yet be not afraid to continue all the daies of their life in the committing of deadly sinnes ? Yea , to goe to bed in deadly sinne , and to rise up againe in deadly sinne , and to embrue themselves in every kinde of loathsome , detestable , and odious sinne , even as though all their whole endeavours intended by the practise of sinne , to resist all grace and favour in the sight of God ? And this is done in such sort , so without feare , so without scruple of minde , so without breaking of one houres sleepe , and without the refraining of any one delicate morsell of meate for the same , as if all that they beleeved were dreames , and old wives tales , and as if all that the holy Evangelists have written , were meere fiction and fables . But tell me thou that art such a desperate willfull rebell against thy Creator and Redeemer , which by thy detestable life & dissolute conversation , doest evidence thy selfe to bee a firebrand , prepared to burne in those everlasting and revenging horrible fires of hell . What wouldest thou have done more than thou hast done , in case thou haddest beene perswaded , that all were meere lyes which thou hast beleeved ? For although that for feare of incurring the danger of the princes lawes , and the execution of their force upon thee , thou hast somewhat brideled thine appetites ; yet doth it not appeare , that for any feare of Almighty God , thou hast refrained thy will in any one thing , neither from carnall pleasures , not from backebiting and slandering thy neighbours , nor yet from fulfilling thine inordinate lusts and desires , in case thine ability served thee thereunto . Oh , what doth the worme of thy conscience say unto thee , whiles thou art in such a fond securitie and confidence , continuing in such a dissolute and wicked life as thou doest ? Where is now become the understanding , judgement and reason , which thou hast of a man ? Why art thou not affraid of so horrible , so certaine , and so assured perils and dangers ? if there were a dish o● meate set before thee , and some man ( albeit hee were a lyer ) should say unto thee , refraine to touch and eate therof for it is poysoned ; durst thou once adventure to stretch out thy hand , to take a taste thereof , though the meate were never so savoury and delicate , and hee never so great a lyer that should beare thee thus in hand ? If then the Prophets , if the Apostles , if the Evangelists , yea , if Almighty God himselfe doe cry out unto thee , and say , Take heede thou miserable man , for death is in that kinde of meate , and death doth lye lurking in that glutto●ous morsell , which the divell hath set before thee ? How da●est thou reach for everlasting death with thine owne hands , ●nd drinke thine owne damna●ion ? Where is the applying of ●hy wits , thy judgement , and the discourse and reason which ●hou hast of a spirituall man ? Where is their light , where is ●heir force ? Sith that none of ●hem doe bridle thee any whit from thy common usuall vices ? Oh thou wretched and carelesse creature , be witched by the ●ommon enemy Satan , adjudg●d to everlasting darknesse , both inward and outward , and so ●oest goe from one darkenesse ●o the other . Thou art blinde to see thine owne misery , in sensible to understand thine owne perdition , and harde● than any Adamant , to feele the hammer of Gods word . Oh , a thousand times most miserable thou art , worthy to be lamented with none other teares , than with those wherewith thy damnation was lamented , when i● was said , Luke 19. Oh that thou knewest this day the peace , quietnesse , and treasures , which Almighty God hath offered unto thee , that doe now lye hidden from thine eyes . Oh miserable is the day of thy nativity , and much more miserable the day of thy death : forsomuch , as that shall be the beginning of thine everlasting damnation . Oh , how much better had it beene for thee , never to have been borne , if thou shalt be damned in the horrible pit of hell for ever , where the torments are perpetually durable . How much better had it beene for thee never to have beene baptised , not yet to have received the Christian Faith , if through the abusing thereof by thy wicked life , thy damnation shallt hereby be the greater ? For if the light of reason onely sufficeth to make the Heathen Philosophers inexcusable , because they knowing God in some degree , did not glorifie him nor serve him ( as the Apostle saith in the first to the Romans ) how much lesse shall hee be excused , that hath received the light of faith , and the water of Baptisme , yea , and the holy Sacrament of the body and bloud of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , hearing daily the doctrine of the Gospell , if hee doe nothing more than those Pagan Philosophers have done .

Now , what other thing may we inferre of the premises , but briefly to conclude , That there is none other understanding , none other wisedome , none other counsell in the world , but that setting aside all the impediments and combersome dangerous wayes of this life , wee follow that onely true and certaine way , whereby true peace and everlasting life is obtained . Hereunto are we called by reason , by wisedome , by law , by heaven , by earth , by hell , and by the life , death , justice , and mercy of Almighty God . Hereunto are we also very notably invited by the Holy Word , spoken by the mouth of Ecclesiasticus in the sixt Chapter , in this wise : My sonne hearken to instruction even from the first yeares of thy youth , and in thy latter daies thou shalt enjoy the sweet fruit of wisedome : Approach unto it , as one that ploweth and soweth , and with patience expect the fruitfull increase which it shall yeeld unto thee . The paines that thou shalt take , shall bee but little , and the benefits that thou shalt speedily enjoy , shall be great . My son hearken to my words , and neglect not this my counsell which I shall give thee , put thy feet willingly into her fetters , and thy necke into her chaines : bow downe thy shoulders , and carry her upon thee , and be not displeased with her bonds : approach neere unto her with all thy heart , and follow her wayes with all thy strength , seeke for her with all thy diligence , and she will make her selfe knowne unto thee , and after that thou hast found her , never forsake her : for by her shalt thou finde rest in thy latter daies , and that which before did seeme so painfull unto thee , will afterwards become very pleasant . Her fetters shall be a defence of thy strength , and a foundation of vertue , and her chaine shall be a ●obe of glory : for in her is the beauty of life , and her bonds ●re the bonds of health . Hetherto Ecclesiasticus . Whereby thou maiest understand in some degree , how great the beauty , the delights , the liberty , and riches of true wisedome are , which is vertue it selfe , and the knowledge of Almighty God , wherof wee doe intreate . But if all this be insufficient to mollifie our stony hearts , lift up thine eyes , and fix thy thoughts constantly to behold our omnipotent God in his mercy and love towards sinners upon his dying crosse , where he made full satisfaction for thy sinnes . There shalt thou behold him in this forme : his feet nailed fast , looking for thee ; his armes spread abroad to receive thee , and his head bowing downe , to give thee , as to another prodigall sonne , new kisses of peace and attonement . From thence hee calleth thee ( if thou wouldest heare ) with so many callings and cries as there be wounds in his whole body . Hearken thou therefore unto these voyces , and consider well with thy selfe , that if his prayer be not heard that hearkeneth not unto the cries of the poore , how much lesse shall he be heard , that maketh himselfe deafe to such cries as these , being the most mercifull cryings of our loving Saviour , and intended for our soules salvation . Who is he that hath not cause to resolve himselfe wholly into teares to weepe and bewaile his manifold offences ? Who is he that can lament , and will not lament at this ? unlesse he be such a one as seeth not , nor careth what great shipwracke , waste , and havocke he maketh of al the riches and treasures of his soule .

FINIS .

GODLY PRAYERS NECESSARY AND VSEFVLL for Christian Families upon severall occasions .

Therefore I say unto you , What things ever yee desire when yee pray , beleeve ●●at ye receive them , and yee shall ●●ve them .

LONDON , Printed by G. M. for M. S. 1629.

Godly CHRISTIAN Prayers .

A houshold Prayer for private Families in the Morning .

MOst mighty and glorious God , the onely Creator and Governour of Heaven and ●arth ; and all things therein ●ontained , we miserable sinners here met together by thy gra●● doe in thy feare prostrate selves before thy throne of Majesty and glory , desiring in so measure to shew our unfain thankfullnesse , for thy innurable mercies multiplied up us from the first houre of birth , yea before our birth , a before time was . Before foundations of the world w● laid , thou out of thy free 〈◊〉 and meere mercy , didst elect to eternall life , when thou di● reject others . Thou didst ●ate us after thine owne ima●● engraving upon us the cha●●cters of spirituall wisedom righteousnesse , and true ho●●nesse ; when it was in thy pow●● to have made us like unto beasts that perish ; yea , to have ●qualled us to the basest of thy ●●eatures . And when through ●ur owne default wee lost that ●●ignity , thou didst so pittie us as ●● send from thine owne bo●ome thine onely begotten Son ●● recover it for us , and to re●tore it to us , and that with no ●esse price then his owne heart●loud . Besides , it hath pleased ●hee continually to spread the wings of thy gracious protection over us , to ward and guard ●s by thy providence , to open ●●y hand and to replenish us with good things , to continue our life , health , strength , food , ●aiment , peace , and liberty , to his very houre . Thou hast even loaded us with thy benefits , if we had hearts rightly to consider it ; thou renewest thy mercy towards us every morning ; and the night past hast given us a testimony of thy love : For whereas , for the sinnes committed the day before , thou mightest even in the dead of sleepe have given us a sodaine call out of this world , and so presently have brought us to that great account which wee must make before thee , thou vouchsafest yet to spare us , yea ( which is more ) to refresh us with comfortable rest , to preserve us from all dangers that might have befallen our soules or bodies , and to bring us in safety to the beginning of this day . Heavenly Father , grant that we may not be unmindfull of thy manifold mercies , but that wee may often thinke of them , and speake of them to thy glory ; and that the consideration thereof may stirre us up to devote all the powers of our soules , and members of our bodies to thy service . Forgive us our former unthankefulnesse for thy mercies , and our severall abuses of them , yea pardon all our sinnes past , we most humbly beseech thee , for thy owne mercies sake , and for thy Sonnes merits . Our sinnes are great and grievous , for in sinne we were borne , and ever since have we gone on in a course of sinne and rebellion against thee , we doe daily breake thy holy precepts , and that against the light of our owne knowledge , albeit we know that thou art our Creatour , who hast made us ; ou● Redeemer , who hast bought us with the precious blood of thy onely begotten sonne ; and ou● Comforter , who bestowes● upon us all things needfull fo● our being and well-being , fo● this life and for a better life Yea even thee , thee ( O Lord have we presumed to offend that hast beene thus abundantly mercifull unto us . For this ou● unthankefulnesse and wicked nesse , enter not into judgement with us , wee most humbly beseech thee from the bottom of our hearts ; but have merc● upon us , have mercy upon u● most mercifull Father , and in mercy wash away all our sinnes with the bloud of Jesus Christ , ●hat so they may never bee laid ●o our charge , nor have power ●rise up in judgement against ●s . Pierce our hearts with a ●eeling of our sinnes , that wee ●ay mourne for them , as wee ●ught to doe ; make us to loath ●nd abhorre them , that we may ●ave and avoid them , that wee may be watchfull against all occasions of sinne , and circum●ect over our owne wayes . ●owre thy Spirit and put thy ●ace into our hearts , that thereby we may be inabled for thy ●●vice , and both in body and ●ule may glorifie thee heere , ●●at wee may be glorified of thee and with thee hereafter . And as a speciall meanes to keepe us in subjection before thee , work in us , holy Father , a continuall and effectuall remembrance of this earths vanity , of our owne mortality , o● that great and terrible judgement to come ; of the paines o● hell , and joyes of heaven which follow after ; O let the remembrance of these things be a spu● to provoke us unto vertue , and a bridle to hold us in from galloping after vice and wickednesse . We know not how soon thou wilt set a period to ou● lives , and call for our soules to appeare before thee , whether this day or not before the evening ; O prepare us therefore for the houre of death , that we may then neither feare nor faint , but may with joy yeeld up our soules into thy mercifull hands , and doe thou , O Father of mercy , receive them . Let thy mercifull eye look upon us this day , shield us from the temptations of the divell , and grant us ●he custody of thy holy Angels , to defend us in all our wayes : ●nable us with diligence and ●onscience to discharge the du●●es of our callings , and crowne all our endeavours with thy blessing : without thy blessing all mans labour is but vaine , ●oe thou therefore blesse us in ●ur severall places ; O prosper ●hou our handy-work . Provide ●or us all things which thou knowest to bee needfull for every one of us this day . Give us a sanctified use of thy creatures agodly jealousie over ourselves a continual remembrance of thy omniscience , & omnipresence that we may labour to approve our very thoughts unto thee weane us from the love of thi● world , and ravish our soule with the love of our home and thine everlasting Kingdome Defend the universall Church the Churches of this Land especially , our gracious King Charles , our illustrious Queen Mary , together with the Princesse Elizabeth , and her Princely issue ; crowne them with thy graces heere , and with thy glory hereafter . Bee with th● Magistracie and Ministerie of the Realme , make thy Gospell to flourish amongst us by the labours of those whom thou hast appointed to this great service . Comfort thine afflicted servants , in what place or case soever they be ; give us a fellow feeling of their miseries , and wisedome to prepare our selves against the evill day . Heare us in these things , and grant what else thou knowest needfull for us , not for our worthinesse , but for thy Sonnes sake , our alone Saviour , in whose name and words , we conclude our imperfect prayers , saying : Our Father , &c.

A houshold Prayer for private Families in the Evening .

O Glorious God , in Jesus Christ our gracious Father , we wretched creatures by nature , but by thy grace thy servants and children doe heere make bold to appeare before thee in the humility of our soules , to performe some part of that duty which we owe unto thee . And first we offer unto thy divine Majestie the calves of our lips , the sacrifice ●f praise and thanksgiving for ●ine infinite mercies which ●hou hast beene pleased to con●erre upon us out of thy boundnesse and endlesse goodnesse . What thou hast done for us this ●hy , is beyond all that we are ●ble to expresse or conceive : ●hou hast preserved us from all ●erils and dangers , so that none ●f those judgements ( which our ●●nes have deserved ) have bin ●flicted upon us ; thou hast ●nlarged our time and opportu●ity to repent ; thou hast pro●●ded for our soules and bodies ; ●●ou hast bin no way wanting ●nto us if we had hearts to acknowledge it . Forgive us that ●e cannot acknowledge thy goodnesse as we ought to doe and more and more quicken u● in this dutie , that we may with heart and voyce acknowledg● thee to be that Father of lights from whom we doe receiv● every good and perfect gift● ascribing unto thee the whole glory of all that we enjoy , both now and evermore . And gran● we pray thee , that our thankefulnesse may not be onely ver● ball , but reall , we labouring i● deede and in truth to be dutiful● unto thee that hast bin so bountifull unto us . Pardon us for th● sinnes of this day , wherein we● have offended thee , whether open or secret , of ignorance o● of knowledge , of infirmity o● presumption , of omission o● commission , in thought , word or deed . The sinnes of this day are enough to plunge us , soule and body , into the bottomlesse gulfe of perdition . If thou shouldest straightly mark them , what answer shall we be able to make thee , how shall wee dare to appeare in thy presence , before whom all thy creatures feare and tremble ? But thy mercy is above all thy workes ; much more above all our works of sinne . In the confidence of thy mercy we come unto thee , beseeching thee in thy sonne Christ to be reconciled with us , and to assure us hereof by the certificate of thine owne blessed spirit . Breake the strength of sin that would subdue us more and more ; and reare in us cleane hearts , and renew a right spirit within us , Increase our faith in the sweet promises of the Gospell , and our repentance from dead workes , our hope of eternall life , our feare of thy name , our zeale for thy glory , our hatred of sinne , our love of righteousnesse , our contentment in all estates , our patience in adversity , our prudence in prosperity : that so being furnished with the endowments of grace here , we may be fitted for the enjoyment of glory hereafter . And because the night is now upon us , and our bodies desirous of quiet rest , wee pray thee to take us into thy blessed tuition , and to refresh our wearied bodies with comfortable sleepe . Protect us and all that doe belong unto us under the shadow of thy vings , defend us from all evill , both of sinne and punishment : keepe us from security and carelesnesse , from dulnesse and drowsinesse of spirit , from fire and robbery , from the malice of Satan and all his adherents , from all perils into which for our sinnes wee might justly fall . Let the sight of the bed minde us of that last bed , the grave , wherein wee are shortly to take up our lodging , we know not how soone . None of us here present can certainely tell , whether these eyes of ours once closed up , shall ever any more open againe in this world : therfore receive us , good Lord , receive us into the armes of thy mercy , unto thine Almighty protection wee bequeath our selves , soules and bodies , and all that we have : upon thy mercy alone wee cast our selves both this present night and for evermore . Bee mercifull to thy whole Church , continue the flourishing state of the Kingdomes wherin we live . Decrease in it the number of superstitious Papists and prophane Atheists , and increase in it the number of such as unfainedly feare thee . Preserve from all dangers and conspiracies our religious King Charles , our gracious Queene Mary , the Lady Elizabeth , and her children . Give them all such a measure of thy Spirit & grace , that they may seeke to advance thy kingdome on earth , and at last be advanced to thine everlasting Kingdome in Heaven . Endow the right Honourable of our Privie Counsell with all such graces as may make them fit for so high a place . Stirre up Magistrates and men in authority , to endeavour after the furthering of thine honour , and the benefiting of thy people . Make the Ministers able and willing to discharge the duties of their weighty calling with diligence and conscience ; water their indeavours with the dew of heaven , that daily such as belong unto life eternall may be added unto the Church . Comfort , O comfort thine afflicted servants , wheresoever or howsoever troubled : sweeten their afflictions and season their sorrowes with the comforts of thy Spirit . Give them all needfull assistance , and in thy owne time a joyfull deliverance . And make us ready for afflictions , that they may not come upon us as a snare , but that we may in good measure , like wise Virgins bee prepared for the comming of Christ Jesus , the sweet Bridegroome of our soules . Finally , wee pray thee beare with the weakenesse , and coldnesse , and imperfection of our prayers , and to grant our requests , not for our merits , but for thine owne mercies , and for the sake of thy dearely beloved Sonne Jesus Christ , who died to make satisfaction for us , and liveth to make intercession for us , in whose words we shut up our imperfect prayers , saying , as himselfe hath taught us , Our Father , &c.

O Lord blesse and save us , make thy face to shine upon us , thy Word to instruct us , thy grace to direct us , thy Angels to protect us , thy Spirit to comfort and support us , unto the end , and in the end , Amen .

Amen .

A Prayer in time of Warre .

O LORD GOD of Hoasts , in power invincible , in wisdome unsearchable , in mercy incomprehensible ; that givest deliverance in the time of trouble , & assistance in the day of battel ; we most humbly and heartily beseech thee to save us from all those extremities , and in speciall from our enemies , which our sins do threaten to bring upon us . Hitherto thou hast pleased to make our Nation a spectacle of thy ineffable goodnesse , but we deserve to be made a spectacle of thy unsupportable wrath . Our contempt of thy threatnings , our abuse of thy mercies , our neglect of thy judgements , with infinite other innormities , doe menace the taking away of thy old mercies , and the bringing in of some judgement . We have just cause to feare , O Lord , that our loud and crying sinnes doe call in our enemies upon us , and arme them against us ; yea , that they are already prest and prepared to execute thy vengeance . Then open our eyes , we pray thee , that we may see thy Ensigne set up , thy Banner displayed , and the evidence of thy approaching sword : open our eares that wee may heare thee blowing of thy trumpet , and giving the alarum to warre : open our hearts that we may not be secure in so great danger , but may quake and tremble to see thy hand of vengeance before us . And howsoever by our sinnes we are set in the middest of this danger , yet let the hand of thy mercy ( which is as omnipotent as that of thy justice ) rescue us ; let thy out stretched arme deliver us . Put up thy sword into the scabbard ; O bid it rest and be still . Be favourable and gracious unto this thy Syon , crowne her with plenty , prosperity , and victory . Let not her enemies rejoyce in her subversion , nor triumph in her destruction . Hide not thy face from her in the day of trouble ; stoppe not thine eares at our prayers . Be unto us all a horne of salvation , a rocke of safety , a wall of brasse , a strong tower and fortresse against the face and force of our enemies : divert their designes , frustrate their envie , abate their fury , asswage their pride , restraine their power , and in thy name let us tread them under , that maliciously and mischievously rise up against us . Suffer not the light of thy Gospel to be ec●lipsed , nor the splendor of thy glory to be obscured ; let not thy name be dishonoured , nor thy Sanctuary defiled , nor thy truth slandered : but now and ever defend and deliver ( as thou hast formerly done ) this Church and State , from Plague , Pestilence , and above all , that most terrible vengeance , the devouring sword : and that for his sake who hath led captivity captive and like a victorious Conqueror hath triumphed over all his enemies , even Jesus Christ , to whom with the Father and Holy Ghost , be all honour and glory ,

Amen .

A Prayer for them that are about the Sicke .

HEare us , Almighty and most mercifull God and Saviour , extend thine accustomed good●esse to this thy servant , which ●s grieved with sicknes ; visit him ( O Lord ) as thou didst Peters wives mother , and the Captains ●ervant , restore unto this sicke ●ody his former health ( if it be ●hy will ) or else give him grace ●o take this thy visitation patiently , that after this painfull life ended he may dwell with thee in everlasting life : O Lord , behold we bend our knees , yea the knees of our hearts with unfained prayers , and lift up our eyes to the throne of thy mercie seat , to hearken to these our petitions , according to thy promises , therefore , O Lord , grant our requests , we are gathered here together in thy name , in the behalfe of this thy servant ; deliver him we humbly beseech thee , from these his languishing paines and miseries of sicknesse , and as it hath pleased thee to lay thine hand upon him ; so , O Lord , restore him to his former health ; keepe him O Lord , from fearefull and terrible assaults , and despightfull ●●mptations of the Divell , sinne ●●d hell : deliver him , O Lord , 〈◊〉 thou deliveredst Noah from ●e raging waves of the floods ; 〈◊〉 from the destruction of So●me ; Abraham from the feare ●● the Caldeans ; the children of ●●rael from the tyranny of Pha●●oh ; David from the hands of ●●liah ; the three men from the ●lence of the fiery furnace in ●●bylon ; Daniell from the mouth 〈◊〉 the Lyons ; Ionas from the ●●lly of the Whale , and Peter ●m the prison of Herod : Even ● O gratious Lord , deliver the ●●le of this person , both now , 〈◊〉 whensoever he shall depart ●●ce from all perill and dan●●r , open unto him at the houre of death the doore of Paradice , the gates of heaven , and the entry of everlasting life , O Lord Jesus Christ forgive him all his sinnes , and lead him with joy into the kingdome of thy heavenly Father , even unto the bosome of Abraham , and appoint him his everlasting rest that hee may rejoyce with thee , and all the elect children of God , to whom be all honour , glory , power , and dominion ,

Amen .

The sicke persons Prayer .

LOrd hearken to my prayer , and give eare to my humble request , Lord be mercifull unto mee , and give mee grace patiently to beare the crosse , and in the midst of this my sicknesse alwaies to say ; thy will O heavenly Father be done , and not mine ; forgive and forget , most gracious Father all 〈…〉 quities , blo● them out of thy remembrance and cast them from thy sight , O Lord , as farre as the East is from the West , the North from the South : they are many and innumerable , let them not rise up in judgement against me : neither enter thou into thy narrow judgement with thy servant , O Lord , for no flesh is righteous before thee , handle me not according to my deserts , deale not with me after my wickednesse , neither reward me after mine iniquities ; O Lord my God looke not into my enormious nor incestious life : I am ashamed of my sinnes , and aske pardon for my faults , even with a repenting heart and sorrowfull mind , a bleeding soule , with hidden teares of a true and unfained repentance for my misdeeds ; yea , my wounded breast surcharged with oppressing griefes , doth sigh , groane , and lament under the burthen of my hainous crimes : wherefore , O Lord , wash them away with thy bloud which thou hast shed for my sinnes , and I shall be clean and pure without spot , purge me , O Lord , with those precious drops that distilled from thy tormented heart , and I shall be whiter then the snow , burie mine offences in the sepulcher of thy death , and cloath me with the garment of righteousnesse , O Lord , for thine infinite goodnesse and mercy sake receive me into thy tuition and favour ; pardon , O Lord , and remit my sins , as thou forgavest David his murther and adultery with Barsheba ; Saul his persecutions of thy people ; Peter his deniall ; Mary Magdalen her lascivious life , and the Publican in the Temple with striking his breast craved thy gracious pardon : saying , Lord have mercy upon me a sinner , and although my sinnes and offences are farre greater , and more grievous then these , yet , O Lord , thy mercies exceede and are far more compassionate then our sinnes manifold ; I justifie not my selfe , O my God , by the offences of these , but declare thy righteousnesse and mercifull clemencies in forgetting and forgiving our abhominable trespasses and transgressions of thy will , which though we are froward , yet thou art gentle , though we are stubborne , yet thou art meeke , and though we run headlong to the pits brinke , and to the gates of hell ; yet thou of thy goodnesse callest us backe , and remittest all that wee have done amisse , O Lord , I have acknowledged my faults that they are best knowne unto thee : wherefore , O Lord , I aske forgivenes for the same , send me the comfort of thy holy Spirit , that if thou give me my former health and strength of body , I may amend my life according to thy sacred will , and walke worthily in thy Lawes and Commandements : if it be thy pleasure to take mee hence out of this transitory life , O Lord , grant that I may rest and live with thee forever , world without end . O Lord , hearken unto these my petitions for Jesus Christ his sake , I aske them and all other things which thou shalt think meet both for my soule and bodie in the same forme of prayer as he himself hath taught me , saying : Our Father , &c.

A Prayer at the houre of death .

O Lord Jesus Christ , which art the only health of all men living , & the everlasting life of them which dye in thy faith ; I wretched sinner give and submit my selfe wholly to thy most blessed will , being sure that the thing cannot perish which is committed unto thy mercy , I most humbly beseech thee , O Lord , to give me grace that I may now willingly leave this fraile and wicked flesh in hope of the resurrection , which in better manner shall restore it to me againe , grant me , O Lord God , that thou wilt by thy grace make strong my soule against all temptations , and that thou wilt cover and defend me with the buckler of thy mercy against the assaults of Satan ; I acknowledge , that there is in my selfe no hope of salvation ; but all my hope and trust is in thy most mercifull goodnesse , I have no merits nor good workes , which I may alleadge before thee ; of sinnes and evill works , alas ! I see a great heape , but through thy mercy I trust to be of the number of them to whom thou wilt not impute their sins , but take and impute mee for righteous and just , and to be the inheritor of everlasting glory . Thou , O most mercifull Lord , wert borne for my sake , thou didst suffer both hunger and thirst , thou didst preach , teach , pray , and fast for my sake , thou didst all good works , and sufferedst most grievous pangs and torments for my sake : and finally , thou gavest thy most precious body to dye , and thy blessed bloud to bee shed on the Crosse for my sake : wherefore most mercifull Saviour , let all these things profit me , which thou hast freely given mee , which hast given thy selfe for me , let thy bloud cleanse and wash away the spots and foulenesse of my sinnes , let thy righteousnesse hide and cover my unrighteousnesse , let the merits of thy bitter sufferings be a sufficient and propitiatory sacrifice , and satisfaction for my sinnes : give me , O Lord , thy grace , that my faith and beleefe of thy true and grievous death waver not in me , but ever be firme and constant , that the hope of thy mercy & life everlasting never decay in me , that charity waxe not cold in me : and finally , that the weaknesse of my flesh be not overcome with the feare of death ; grant me also , O most mercifull Saviour that when death hath shut up the eyes of my body , yet the eyes of my soule may still behold and look upon thee , and that when death hath taken away the use of my tongue and speech ; yet my heart may cry , and say unto thee , O Lord , into thy hands I give and commit my soule , Lord Jesus receive my spirit , and take me to thy mercies ,

Amen .

A Prayer for a Woman in time of her travaile .

RIghteous and holy Lord God , I doe now finde by experience the fruit of my sinne , that I must travaile in sorrow , and bring forth in paine : and I unfainedly adore the truth of thy sacred Word , as certifying unto me , that sorrow must be in the Evening : so comforting me also against the Morning , that a Childe shall be borne . Willingly I doe desire to submit my selfe in hope unto this thy chastisement ; and to learne the desert of my sinnes , horrible in themselves , that these temporall paines are forerunners of eternall : and yet by thy mercy may be so sanctified unto me , as not onely to prevent eternall vengeance , but also prepare for eternall comforts , even to be saved by bearing of Children .

Grant me therefore ( gracious Father ) true repentance and pardon for my sinnes past , that they may not stand at this time in this my need betweene mee and thy mercy . Give mee a comfortable feeling of thy love in Christ , which may sweeten all other pangs , though never so violent or extreame : make me still to lift up my soule unto thee , in my greatest agonies , knowing that thou alone must give a blessing to the ordinary meanes for my safe deliverance . Lay no more upon me then I am able to endure ; & strengthen my weake body to the bearing of what sorrowsoever , by which it shall seeme good unto thee to make triall of me .

Grant mee to consider that howsoever it be with me , yet I am alwaies at thine hand , whose mercies faile not , who wilt bee found in the Mount and greatest extremitie , and to whom belong the issues of death : so prepare me therefore to death , that I may be fit for life , even to yeeld fruit alive unto the world , and to be renewed and enabled to nourish the same . And when thou hast safely given mee the expected fruit of my wombe , make me with a thankfull heart to consecrate both it and my selfe wholly to thy service all the daies of my life , through Jesus Christ mine onely Saviour and Redeemer ,

Amen .

A Thankesgiving after safe deliverance .

O Blessed for ever bee thy great and glorious Name ( most deere and loving Father ) for thy great mercy to me most weake and sinfull woman .

Wonderfull art thou in all thy workes ( O Lord ) the riches of thy mercies are past finding out : thou hast plunged me with great afflictions , and yet thou hast returned and refreshed me againe : thou hast brought mee to the feare of the grave , and yet thou hast raised me up again to life . O how hast thou shewed thy power in my weaknesse ? How hath thy loving kindnesse prevailed against my unworthinesse ? Thou mightest for my sinnes have left me to perish in mine extremities , but thou hast compassed me about with joyfull deliverance : thou mightest have made my wombe a grave to bury the dead : or in affoording life to another , thou mightest have procured my death , but yet thou hast not onely made my wombe a well-spring of life , but restored life unto me also , for the cherishing thereof . Marveilous ( O Lord ) are thy workes , infinite are thy mercies , my soule by present experience knoweth it well . O my soule praise thou the Lord , and all that is within me praise his holy name . My soule praise thou the Lord , and forget not all his benefits . Thou hast heard my prayers , and looked upon my sorrow , thou hast redeemed my life from death , and healed mine infirmities , and crowned me with thine everlasting compassions .

O give me , I humbly pray thee , a thankfull heart , not onely now while the memory and sense of thy favour is fresh before me , but continually even so long as I have any being .

Grant that I may learne by his lively evidence of thy power and mercy , for ever hereafter ●o depend only on thee . Quic●en me also to all holy duties , ●hat my thankfullnesse may appeare in my pure and Christian ●arriage .

Make me a kind and carefull ●nother , willing to undergoe the ●aine and trouble of education . ●et no nicenesse or curiositie ●inder me from those services , ●o whom both nature and reli●ion hath appointed me : let me ●●so be carefull when time re●uireth , to season the fruit thou ●ast given me , with the saving ●nowledge of thee , & thy deere on , that my desire may manifestly appeare to be set for the ●ncrease of thy Kingdome . Vouchsafe so to order my affections and to bring them in obedience unto thee , that if it should bee thy pleasure either now o● hereafter to take this infant from me , I may as willingly part with it , as thou freely gave it me .

And now ( O God ) perfect in mee that strength which thou hast begun , make me to grow in care to serve thee faithfully both in the duties of piety , and in other businesse of my place and calling , that I may be a comfort to my husband , a● example to my neighbours , ● grace to my profession , and ● meanes of glory to thy Name through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour ,

Amen .

FINIS .

THE COMMON CALLES , CRIES and Sounds of the BEL-MAN . OR , Divers verses to put us in minde of our mortality .

Which serve as warnings to be prepared at all times for the day of death .

LONDON , Printed by G. M. for M. S. Junior , at the Blew Bible in Green-Arbour . 1639.

THE BEL-MANS SOVNDS .

For Christmas day REmember all that on this Morne , Our blesseds aviour Christ was borne ; Who issued from a Virgin pure , Our soules from Satan to secure ; And patronise our feeble spirit , That we through him may heaven inherit .

For Saint Stephens day . THis blessed time beare in your mind , How that blest Martyr Stephen died ; In whom was all that good confinde , That might with flesh and blood abide ; In Doctrine and example he Taught what to doe and what to flee ; Full of the Spirit he would preach , Against opinions false and naught , Confute them to , and bouldly teach ; What Christ himselfe to him had taught ; For which at last he lost his breath , Ston'd by the stonie hearts to death ; Let us then learne by this blest Martyrs end To see our follies and our lives amend .

For Saint Iohns day . THis man the Word did bouldly teach Saw Christ transform'd , and did preach The glory in that Mount he saw , And by that glory strove to draw ; The soule of man from sinfull thrall To heaven , to which God send us all .

For Innocents day . THe swords of Herods servants tooke Such sweet yong things , as with a look Might make a heart of Marble melt . But they no grace , nor pittie felt ; Some from the cradle , some awake , Some sweetly sleeping , some they take Dandled upon their mothers lap , Some from their armes , some from the pap .

For New-yeares day . ALL you that doe the Bell-man heere , The first day of this hopefull yeare ; ●oe in love admonish you , So bid your old sins all adue , And walk as Gods just Law requires , In holy deeds and good desires , Which if to doe you le doe your best , God will in Christ forgive the rest .

For Saint Davids day . I Am no Welchman , but yet to show The love I to the Countrey owe , I call this morning and be seeke Each man prepare him for his Leeke ; For as I heare some men say , The first of March is Saint Davids day That worthy Britaine , valiant , wise , Withstood his countries enemies , And caused his Souldiers there to choose Leekes for to know them from his foes ; Who bravely fought , and conquest wone , And so the custome first begun . Then weare your Lecks and doe not shame To memorize your worthies name : So noble Britaines all adew , Love stil King Charles , for he loves you .

For the 5. of Novemb. AWake Britaines subjects with one accord , Extoll and praise , and magnifie the Lord , Humble your hearts , and with devotion sing Praises of thanks to God for our most gratious King ; This was the night when in a darkesome Cell , Treason was found in earth it hatcht in hell ; And had it tooke effect , what would avail'd our sorrow , The traine being laid to have blowne us up o' th' morrow ? Yet God our guide reveal'd the damned plot , And they themselves destroy'd , and we were not . Then let us not forget him thanks to render , That hath preserv'd and kept our faiths Defender .

For Good Friday . ALL you that now in bed do lie , Know Iesus Christ this night did die . ●●r soules most sinfull for to save , That we eternall life might have ; His whips , his grones , his crown of thorns , Would make us weep , lament , and mourn .

For Sunday . LEt labour passe , let prayer be This day the chiefest worke for thee , Thy selfe and servants more and lesse , This day must let all labour passe .

ALL hale to you that sleepe and rest ; Repent , awake , your sins detest , Call to your mind the day of doome , For then our Saviour Christ will come . Accompt to have he hath decreed , Of every thought , word , worke , and deed And as we have our times here past , So shall our judgements be at last . AS darke some night unto thy thoughts present , What 't is to want the daies bright Element , So let thy soule descend through contemplation , Where utter darknesse keepes her habitation , Where endlesse , easelesse paines remedilesse Attend to torture sins curst wilfulnesse : O then remember whilst thou yet hast time To call for mercy for each forepast crime ; And with good David wash thy bed with teares , That so repentance may subdue hels feares : Then shall thy sovle more purer then the Sunne , Ioy as a Gyant her best race to run , And in unspotted robes her selfe addresse To meet her Lord that Sonne of righteousnesse , To whom with God the Father and the Spirit Be all due praise , where all true joyes inherit . THe Belman like tho wakefull morning Cocke , Doth warne you to be vigilant and wise : Looke to your fire , your candle and your locke , Prevent what may through negligence arise ; So may you sleepe with peace and wake with joy , And no mischances shall your state annoy . YOur beds compare unto the grave , Then think what sepulcher you have . For though you lay you downe to sleepe , The Bell-man wakes your peace to keepe , Andnightly walks the round about , To see if fire and light be out ; But when the morne ( daies light ) appeares Be you as ready for your prayers : So shall your labours thrive each day , That you the Bel-man well may pay . LIke to the Seaman is our life , Tost by the waves of sinfull strife , Finding no ground whereon to stand , Vncertaine death is still at hand : If that our lives so vainelesse be , Then all the world is vanitie . THose that live in wrathfull ire , And goe to rest in any sinne , They are worse unto their house then fire Or violent theeves that would breake in Then seek to shun with all your might , That Hidras head , that monstrous sin ; That God may blesse your goods abroad , And eke also your selves within . SLeepe on in peace , yet waking be , And dread his powerfull Majestie , Who can translate the irkesome night , rom darknesse to that glorious light , Whose radient beames when once they rise , With winged speed the darkenesse flies . THou God that art our helpe at hand , Preserve and keep our King and land from forraigne and domesticke foes , ●uch as the word and truth depose ; And ever prosper those of pittie , That love the peace of this our Citie . AWake from sleepe , awake from sin , With voice and heart to call on him , Who from above pleas'd to descend , From Sathans malice to defend Our forfeit soules , to that rich grace Where we may still behold his face . LEt us repare and God implore , That henceforth we transgres no more And that our joy be at this tide , That we in him be satisfide ; Then shall we all for his deare sake , Be blest a sleepe , be blest awake . SIth neither men nor Angels know , When as the dreadful trump shal blow , Nor when our Saviour Christ shall come To give the world a wofull doome ; Thinke then but what a case you 're in , That sleepe in unrepented sinne : O wake , O wake , O watch and pray , And think upon this dreadfull day . SLeepe not so sound , rest not secure , Marke well my words of this be sure The waking Virgins past the gate , When those that slept came al too late : Wherefore be watchfull in your center . That you may with the bridegroome enter . IF wicked impes wake day and night , And keep their candle alwayes light , And all their skill and practise bend , To bring their damned plots to end ; Let us not sleepe , but laud his skill , That frustrates all their projects still . THe night well spent , the day drawes night , Awake from sleep and sin defie , All sluggish sloath expell away , Have still in mind the judgement day , When dead shall rise at trumpets call , The graves shall open wide with all . ARise from sin , awake from sleepe , The earth doth mourne The Heavens weepe ; The winds and Seas distempered bin , And all by reason of mans sin : Wherefore arise , lay sleepe aside , And call on God to be your guide , From raging sword and arrowes flight , And from the terrours of the night ; From fires flame , from sin and sorrow , God blesse you all , and so good morrow . ALL you which in your beds doe lie , Vnto the Lord ye ought to cry , ●hat he would pardon all your sins ; And thus the Bel●mans prayer begins ; Lord give us grace our sinful life to mend , And at the last to send a joyfull end : ●aving put out your fire and your light , ●or to conclude , I bid you all good night . MAns life is like a warfare on the earth , Whose time is spent with troubles , toyles and cares , Subject to all temptations from his birth : In woe he lives and dies at unnawares . The surest signe true fortitude to show , Is in his life all vice to overthrow . O Harke , O harke my Masters all , To your poore servants cry and call : And know all you that lie at ease , That our great God may if he please , Deprive you of your vitall breath : Then sleeping , thinke your sleepe is death . LEt true repentance cleanse your sin , And then your soules commend to him , That by his death hath rais'd and cur'd The dead , the blind , and them assured To give to them eternall rest , To live in Heaven among the blest . Confesse thy sins to God on hie , Who pardons sinners when they cry ; Bewray thy faults to him in time , Who will in Christ forgive thy crime . HE that on the Crosse hath died And for our sins was crucified , Be you ever blest in him . And cleane remitted from your sin : Be it granted as I have praid , And so the Bel-man resteth paid . ALL you that in bed doe lye , Harken well to what I cry , Leave off your sins , repentance crave , It is the onely way your soules to save . REpent in time while ye have breath , Repentance commeth not after death : He therefore that will live for aye , Must leave his sins , and to God pray . O Gratious God and blessed , Preserve all ye that be in bed , So that your quiet rest may take , Vntill the morning that ye wake : Then may ye all with praises sing , To thee O God our heavenly King . REmember man thou art but dust , There is none alive but dye he must , To day a man , to morrow none , So soone our life is past and gone . Mans life is like a withered flower , Alive and dead all in an houre , Leave of thy sins therefore in time , And Christ will rid thee from thy crime . O Mortall man that is made of dust , In worldly riches put not thy trust , Remember how thy time doth passe , Even like the sand that from the Glasse , ●ath spent the time and there remaines , ●ever canst thou call that time againe . SIcke men complaine they cannot sleepe , The Bel-man such a noise doth keepe ; Others that doe win at play , Sayes he too soone proclaimes the day : Yet to the sicke that drawes short breath , It puts them in the mind of death ; And saies the gamster makes good stake , If he for Heaven so long would wake ; And all this while like silly worme , He doth his office but performe : Then if his duty breed disease , Hee le goe to bed and none displease . FINIS .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A11116-e1720